Question

in adipocytes, why does the synthesis of triacylglycerols require an external supply of glucose? a. the synthesis of triacylglycerols requires glycerol 3-phosphate, which is derived from glucose. b. the synthesis of triacylglycerols requires glycerol, which is derived from glucose. c. glucose is required for the production of acetyl-coa, which is necessary for the synthesis of fatty acids. d. glucose is required for the anaerobic production of atp.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option B: The synthesis of triacylglycerols requires glycerol, which is derived from glucose.

Adipocytes, or fat cells, store excess energy in the form of triacylglycerols (also known as triglycerides). Triacylglycerols consist of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone. The synthesis of triacylglycerols in adipocytes requires a source of glycerol, and glucose is one of the primary sources for glycerol production.

Glucose undergoes a process called glycolysis, where it is converted into pyruvate. In adipocytes, pyruvate can be further metabolized to produce glycerol through a series of enzymatic reactions. This glycerol serves as the backbone for the synthesis of triacylglycerols.

It is important to note that while glycerol is derived from glucose, the fatty acids that make up the triacylglycerols are typically obtained from other sources, such as dietary fats or fatty acids released from adipose tissue stores. Therefore, glucose is specifically required for the glycerol component of triacylglycerol synthesis in adipocytes.