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Lipid is one of the major classes of biomolecules needed by the body. The body breaks down the lipids that we consume to create blank and blank
energy and structural components
Lipid is one of the major classes of biomolecules needed by the body. The body breaks down the lipids that we consume to create fatty acids and glycerol.
Lipid is one of the major classes of biomolecules needed by the body. The body breaks down the lipids that we consume to create fatty acids and glycerol.
To arrive at this answer, we can start by understanding the breakdown of lipids. Lipids are large molecules that don't dissolve in water. They include various types such as triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterol. When we consume lipids through our diet, our body breaks them down through a process called digestion.
During digestion, lipids are first emulsified by bile salts, which break them into smaller droplets. Then, enzymes called lipases (such as pancreatic lipase) break down the lipids further. Specifically, lipases break triglycerides (a common type of lipid) into their components: fatty acids and glycerol.
Fatty acids are long chains of carbon atoms with a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end. They can be either saturated (with single bonds between carbon atoms) or unsaturated (with double bonds between carbon atoms). Fatty acids are important for various functions in the body, including energy production, cell membrane synthesis, and hormone production.
Glycerol, on the other hand, is a three-carbon alcohol molecule. It serves as a backbone for triglycerides and also plays a role in various metabolic processes.
So, when we consume lipids, the body breaks them down into their individual parts: fatty acids and glycerol. These components can then be utilized by the body for energy, building cell membranes, and other important functions.