Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

10. Lipids

Fatty Acids

Biochemistry

10. Lipids

Fatty Acids

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Multiple Choice

Why are fats considered superior to carbohydrates for long-term energy storage in animals?

Fats are more easily mobilized for immediate energy needs than carbohydrates.

Fats yield more ATP per gram upon oxidation than carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are more hydrophobic than fats, making them less efficient for storage.

Fats can be directly converted into glucose without any metabolic steps.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context of the question: The problem is asking why fats are considered superior to carbohydrates for long-term energy storage in animals. This involves comparing the biochemical properties and energy yield of fats and carbohydrates.

Step 1: Recall the energy yield of fats and carbohydrates. Fats are composed of long hydrocarbon chains, which are highly reduced. Upon oxidation, these chains yield a large amount of ATP. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, are partially oxidized and yield less ATP per gram compared to fats.

Step 2: Consider the storage efficiency. Fats are hydrophobic and can be stored in a compact, anhydrous form, which makes them more efficient for long-term storage. Carbohydrates, such as glycogen, are hydrophilic and require water for storage, making them bulkier and less efficient.

Step 3: Address the mobilization aspect. While fats are not as easily mobilized for immediate energy needs as carbohydrates, their superior energy yield per gram makes them ideal for long-term storage. Carbohydrates are typically used for short-term energy needs due to their faster mobilization.

Step 4: Clarify misconceptions. Fats cannot be directly converted into glucose without metabolic steps. Instead, fats are broken down into glycerol and fatty acids, which enter metabolic pathways like gluconeogenesis or β-oxidation to produce energy.