Triglycerides Flashcards
What are triglycerides (TGs)?
The major form of dietary fat and the form in which fat is stored in the body.
What are triglycerides made up of?
One unit of glycerol and three fatty acids.
How can the three fatty acids in triglycerides differ?
They can differ in length (number of carbon atoms) and degree of saturation (number of hydrogen molecules attached).
What health issues are linked to high levels of triglycerides in the blood?
Atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke.
What is lipogenesis?
The process through which excess dietary energy is converted into triglycerides.
Where does lipogenesis occur?
In adipose tissue and the liver.
How does adipose tissue acquire triglycerides?
Through circulating lipoproteins like chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL).
How are adipocytes supplied with triglycerides?
They are supplied by an extensive network of blood vessels.
