Suggest reasons why fats and oils are an efficient form of energy storage for living systems?
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "fats and oils as energy storage" to get these possible sources:
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=fats+and+oils+as+energy+storage&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search.
http://www.hackcollege.com/blog/2011/11/23/infographic-get-more-out-of-google.html
Fats and oils serve as efficient forms of energy storage for living systems due to several reasons:
1. High Energy Density: Fats and oils have a high energy content. When oxidized (broken down through metabolism), they provide approximately 9 calories per gram, while carbohydrates and proteins provide only 4 calories per gram. This means that fats and oils contain more than double the energy per unit of weight, making them a compact and efficient energy source.
2. Efficient Storage: Fats and oils are chemically designed for efficient energy storage. They consist of long chains of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached, forming hydrocarbons. The long carbon-hydrogen bonds in fats and oils contain a large amount of potential energy, which can be released when the bonds are broken during metabolism. This chemical structure allows living organisms to store a substantial amount of energy in a small space.
3. Insulation and Protection: Fats also provide insulation and protection. Adipose tissue, which is largely composed of stored fats, acts as an insulating layer, helping organisms maintain body temperature and preventing heat loss. Additionally, fats cushion vital organs and protect them from injuries.
4. Slow Metabolism: Fats and oils are metabolized at a slower rate compared to carbohydrates. When energy demands are low, fats can be broken down to provide a sustained supply of energy over a longer period. This is particularly important for endurance activities or during periods of fasting, when the body needs a long-lasting energy source.
To summarize, fats and oils are efficient energy storage molecules for living systems due to their high energy density, their chemically dense structure for storage, and their ability to provide long-lasting and sustained energy.