Lipid Metabolism and Cellular Respiration

Study Notes

Lipid metabolism involves the breakdown and synthesis of lipids (fats) in the body
Lipids are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol, which are then used for energy production or stored for later use
Lipid metabolism is regulated by hormones such as insulin and glucagon

Triglycerides are the main component of fats and oils in the diet
Composed of three fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol molecule
Function:
- Energy storage: Triglycerides are stored in adipose tissue and released as needed for energy production
- Hormone regulation: Triglycerides can influence hormone production and regulation

Glycolysis is the first stage of cellular respiration
Breakdown of glucose (a simple sugar) into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH
Takes place in the cytosol of cells
Regulation:
- Allosteric control: Enzymes involved in glycolysis are regulated by allosteric effectors
- Feed-back inhibition: ATP and NADH can inhibit glycolysis when energy levels are high

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells generate energy from glucose
Involves three stages: glycolysis, citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation
Produces ATP, NADH, and FADH2 as byproducts
Importance:
- Energy production: Cellular respiration generates energy for the cell
- ATP synthesis: ATP is produced during cellular respiration and is used to power cell functions

Glycogen synthesis is the process by which glucose is converted into glycogen
Glycogen is a complex carbohydrate stored in the liver and muscles
Regulation:
- Insulin: Stimulates glycogen synthesis by activating glycogen synthase
- Glucagon: Inhibits glycogen synthesis by inhibiting glycogen synthase
Function:
- Energy storage: Glycogen is a readily available source of energy for the body
- Blood glucose regulation: Glycogen helps to regulate blood glucose levels by storing excess glucose