What is Fat Metabolism?

Fat Metabolism      Triglycerides are the primary storage form of fats. Fats are stored in adipose tissue where they can be broken down and used when glucose runs low. Triglycerides are broken down to their components, a glycerol molecule and three fatty acids, by a process called lipolysis. Glycerol enters the glycolytic pathway and then proceeds through the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Fatty acids are converted into acetyl CoA's and enter the Krebs cycle.      Lipogenesis is the process by which fatty acids can be synthesized by reversing the reactions that were used to break them down.      Ketones are generated as a product of fat metabolism when fat is used in abundance. Ketones can serve as an alternate source of energy for nervous tissue.      Fats are a convenient storage molecule because they yield more energy than either carbohydrates or proteins.