Triglycerides

What is adipose tissue primarily composed of?

Adipose tissue is primarily composed of adipose cells, also known as adipocytes.

What do adipocytes store in the form of triglycerides?

Adipocytes store insoluble fat in the form of triglycerides for long-term energy storage.

What is one of the key functions of adipose tissue under the skin?

Adipose tissue forms a thick layer under the skin, acting as a shock absorber and thermal insulator.

What happens to stored triglycerides when energy is needed?

Stored triglycerides undergo hydrolysis, releasing glycerol and fatty acids.

How much energy do triglycerides produce compared to sugar during cell respiration?

Triglycerides can produce twice as much energy as sugar during cell respiration.

Function of Triglycerides in Adipose Tissue

What do endotherms (birds and mammals) need to maintain regardless of environmental temperature?

Endotherms need to maintain a steady internal temperature regardless of their environmental temperature.

What is the thick adipose tissue found in birds and mammals called?

The thick adipose tissue in birds and mammals is called blubber.

Where is blubber located in the body?

Blubber is found between the skin and muscle.

What are triglycerides poor conductors of?

Heat, helping to trap heat generated by metabolic activities.

Type and location of tissue when energy stores are found - triglycerides

Adipose tissue beneath the skin and around organs in endotherms

Plants and cold-blooded animals store unsaturated fats, endotherms store saturated fats

Type and location of tissue when energy stores are found - carbohydrates

In skeletal muscle tissue and in the liver as glycogen or as simple sugars dissolved in blood

Plants in the form of starch

Energy contained per gram of storage form - triglycerides

Twice as much energy per gram, account for less mass because they can be oxidised

Energy contained per gram of storage form - carbohydrates

Half as much energy contained per gram

Glycogen storages account for a higher body mass

Short or long-term energy storage - triglycerides

long term

Short or long-term energy storage - carbohydrates

Short term

How soluble and easy to transport are the storage forms? - triglycerides

Insoluble in water

Can’t be mobilised quickly

Don’t cause osmotic consequences

How soluble and easy to transport are the storage forms? - carbohydrates

Glucose is soluble and can easily be transported around

Glycogen and starch are much less soluble and therefore used as storage form

No osmotic effect