Lipids and Ketosis

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to lipids and ketosis.

Lipase

An enzyme that hydrolyzes triacylglycerols, allowing the uptake of glycerol and free fatty acids.

Chylomicron

A lipoprotein particle that transports dietary lipids from the intestines to other locations in the body.

Fatty Acid

The simplest lipids that vary in length and presence of double bonds, influencing their melting temperature.

Beta-Oxidation

The process of breaking down fatty acids in the mitochondria to generate acetyl-CoA.

Ketosis

A metabolic state where the body uses ketones as a primary energy source due to low carbohydrate availability.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is a primary energy source for cells, produced from carbohydrates.

Insulin

A hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps shuttle glucose into cells.

Triacylglycerol (TAG)

A type of lipid composed of glycerol esterified with three fatty acids; also referred to as fats and oils.

Atherosclerosis

A disease characterized by fatty deposits (plaques) that harden on the walls of blood vessels, often linked to high LDL levels.

Ketogenesis

The process in the liver of converting acetyl-CoA into ketone bodies, primarily during fasting or carbohydrate restriction.

Lipoprotein

Complexes consisting of lipids and proteins that transport lipids through the bloodstream.

Lipoprotein lipase

An enzyme located on the endothelial surface of cells that hydrolyzes lipoproteins to release fatty acids.

Glycolysis

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP in the process.

Gluconeogenesis

The metabolic process that generates glucose from non-carbohydrate substrates, such as glycerol or amino acids.

Apo C-II

An apolipoprotein that activates lipoprotein lipase for the hydrolysis of triglycerides.

Acetyl-CoA

A central metabolite that can be derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and is critical for energy production.