Additional Lipid Metabolism Compounds: Small Molecules and Peptides

When glucose supplies are low, the body is able to draw upon lipids as an alternative energy source. Lipids are generally stored as triglycerides and the first step in lipid metabolism is the conversion to glycerol and fatty acids. Glycerol (dihydroxyacetone phosphate) can enter the glycolysis pathway, and proceed to the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Fatty acids are converted to acetyl CoA, which can directly enter the Krebs cycle and subsequently oxidative phosphorylation. Each ...