Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

24. Lipid Metabolism

Intro to Lipid Digestion

GOB Chemistry

24. Lipid Metabolism

Intro to Lipid Digestion

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1:05 minutes

Problem 65

Textbook Question

Why are extra calories consumed as carbohydrates stored as fat and not as glycogen?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the storage forms of energy in the body: The body stores energy primarily in two forms—glycogen and fat. Glycogen is a polysaccharide stored in the liver and muscles, while fat is stored in adipose tissue as triglycerides.

Recognize the storage capacity of glycogen: Glycogen storage is limited. The liver can store approximately 100-120 grams of glycogen, and muscles can store around 300-400 grams. Once these storage limits are reached, excess carbohydrates cannot be stored as glycogen.

Learn about the conversion of carbohydrates to fat: When glycogen stores are full, excess carbohydrates are converted into fat through a process called lipogenesis. This involves the conversion of glucose into acetyl-CoA, which is then used to synthesize fatty acids. These fatty acids are stored as triglycerides in adipose tissue.

Understand the efficiency of fat storage: Fat is a more efficient long-term energy storage molecule because it is more energy-dense (9 kcal/g compared to 4 kcal/g for carbohydrates) and does not require water for storage, unlike glycogen. This makes fat a preferred storage form for excess calories.

Connect the biological purpose: The body prioritizes fat storage for long-term energy needs and survival during periods of caloric deficit or fasting. Glycogen, on the other hand, is reserved for short-term energy demands, such as physical activity or maintaining blood glucose levels.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrate metabolism refers to the biochemical processes that convert carbohydrates into energy. When carbohydrates are consumed, they are broken down into glucose, which can be used immediately for energy or stored for later use. The body primarily stores glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles, but there is a limit to how much glycogen can be stored.

Glycogen Storage Capacity

Glycogen storage capacity is the maximum amount of glycogen that can be stored in the body, primarily in the liver and muscle tissues. This capacity is limited, typically around 100 grams in the liver and 300-400 grams in muscles for an average adult. Once glycogen stores are full, any excess glucose from carbohydrate consumption is converted into fat through a process called lipogenesis.

Lipogenesis

Lipogenesis is the metabolic process through which excess carbohydrates (and other macronutrients) are converted into fatty acids and subsequently stored as fat in adipose tissue. This process occurs when the body's energy needs are met, and there is an excess of calories, leading to the storage of energy in a more compact form, which is fat, rather than glycogen.

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