Explain lipolysis with structure

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Lipolysis is the metabolic process where triglycerides stored in adipose tissue are broken down into glycerol and free fatty acids. This process is primarily regulated by hormones like epinephrine and glucagon, which signal the need for energy. Step 1: Hormones bind to receptors on the adipocyte (fat cell) membrane, activating a signaling cascade. Step 2: This cascade activates an enzyme called hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). Step 3: HSL hydrolyzes the ester bonds in triglycerides, releasing one fatty acid at a time. Step 4: Triglycerides are sequentially broken down into diglycerides, then monoglycerides, and finally glycerol and free fatty acids. Step 5: The released free fatty acids and glycerol then exit the adipocyte and enter the bloodstream to be transported to tissues for energy production or other metabolic pathways.

Explain lipolysis with structure

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Step-by-step solution

Hormones bind to receptors on the adipocyte (fat cell) membrane, activating a signaling cascade.

This cascade activates an enzyme called hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL).

HSL hydrolyzes the ester bonds in triglycerides, releasing one fatty acid at a time.

Triglycerides are sequentially broken down into diglycerides, then monoglycerides, and finally glycerol and free fatty acids.

The released free fatty acids and glycerol then exit the adipocyte and enter the bloodstream to be transported to tissues for energy production or other metabolic pathways.

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