2.4 Energy-Storage Lipids: Triacylglycerols

• Carbohydrate Glycogen

  • Most widespread energy storage material present in small amounts.
• Adipocyte

  • A special cell which are nearly filled with triacylglycerol
• With the notable exception of nerve cells, human cells store small amounts of energy-providing materials
• Triacylglycerol

  • Major energy-storage material
• 2 types of triacylglycerol:

  1. Simple triacylglycerol
  2. Mixed triacylglycerol
• Simple Triacylglycerol

  • Triester formed from the esterification  of glycerol with 3 identical fatty acid molecules.
• Mixed Triacylglycerol

  • Triester formed from the esterification of glycerol with more than 1 kind of fatty acid molecule.
• Fats

  • Predominantly Saturated
  • Solids or semisolids at room temperature
  • Source: Animals
• Oils

  • Predominantly unsaturated
  • Liquids at room temperature
  • Sources: Plants and fish
• Pure oils and fats are colorless, odorless, and tasteless.