Metabolism of Lipid
Metabolism of Lipid
Metabolism of Lipid
In the cytosol of the cell (for example a muscle cell), the glycerol
will be converted to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, which is an
intermediate in the glycolysis, to get further oxidized and
produce energy. However, the main steps of fatty acids
catabolism occur in the mitochondria.
metabolism.
Lipid metabolism disorders
cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis.
The types of lipids involved in lipid metabolism include:
Membrane lipids:
Phospholipids: Phospholipids are a major component of the
lipid bilayer of the cell membrane and are found in many
parts of the body.
Sphingolipids: Sphingolipids are mostly found in the cell
membrane of neural tissue.
Glycolipids: The main role of glycolipids is to maintain lipid
bilayer stability and facilitate cell recognition.
Glycerophospholipids: Neural tissue (including the brain)
contains high amounts of glycerophospholipids.
The types of lipids involved in lipid metabolism include:
Fatty acids – see also fatty acid metabolism: Fatty acids are one
of the precursors used for lipid membrane and cholesterol
biosynthesis. They are also used for energy.
Bile salts: Bile salts are secreted from liver and they facilitate
lipid digestion in the small intestine.[24]
Eicosanoids: Eicosanoids are made from fatty acids in the body
and they are used for cell signaling.[25]
Ketone bodies: Ketone bodies are made from fatty acids in the
liver. Their function is to produce energy during periods of
starvation or low food intake.[6]
Summary
Lipid metabolism is the synthesis and degradation of lipids in
cells, involving the breakdown or storage of fats for energy and
the synthesis of structural and functional lipids, such as those
involved in the construction of cell membranes. In animals,
these fats are obtained from food or are synthesized by the
liver.
Other types of lipids found in the body are fatty acids and
membrane lipids. Lipid metabolism is often considered as the
digestion and absorption process of dietary fat; however, there
are two sources of fats that organisms can use to obtain energy:
from consumed dietary fats and from stored fat.