How do lipids store energy?

Question

Benjamin Alvin · Accepted Answer

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Combustion, also known as oxidation, is the process of burning a carbon-containing sample when oxygen is present. #CH_4 + 2O_2 = CO_2 + 2H_2O# The oxidation state of C in #CH_4# is -4 The oxidatoin state of C in "CO_2" is +4 This is a total of 8 electrons that have to change hands, and much of the energy in this process is associated with the electrons (Electron Transport chain and oxidation phosphorylation in cells). Fats have many carbons that look like the above Carbon. #-CH_2-# is a typical fat carbon. When this gets oxidized to #CO_2#, the carbon goes from a -2 oxidation state to a +4 oxidation state. Exchange of 6 electrons. Sugars are another source of energy, but not a good storage of energy. The carbon in Sugar makes less energy when it is oxidized. #H-C-OH# This is a typical carbon in a sugar. It has a 0(zero) oxidation state. When it gets oxidized to #CO_2#, it goes to a +4 oxidation state. This is 4 electrons changing hands. Because fats release more electrons during combustion than do sugars, fats are a more efficient form of energy storage.

William Albracht · Answer

undefined Lipids store energy in the form of triglycerides, which consist of glycerol and three fatty acid molecules. When the body requires energy, triglycerides are broken down through hydrolysis into glycerol and fatty acids, releasing energy that can be used by cells.