Efficient Energy Storage

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBeU8zk_Fio

Title: Fatty Acid Metabolism (Part 1 of 8) - Introduction

Creator: Moof University

Summary: Fatty acids are primarily used for energy storage, and they are particularly efficient at this because they are highly reduced molecules. Highly reduced molecules have a lot of electrons, which means lots of potential energy that can be utilized to make ATP, a critical energy source for humans. Fatty acids can store almost twice as many kilocalories per gram as carbohydrates can, making them a preferable energy source. Additionally, an 18 carbon fatty acid can net 120 ATP, while a 18 carbon carbohydrate could only net 96 ATP at maximum. Simply put, fatty acids are an extremely efficient way to store energy. Triacylglycerol and phosphpolipids are two different storage systems of fatty acids that were mentioned in the video, both with different structures.