Triacylglycerol synthesis in rat adipose tissue : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biochemistry at Massey University

Abstract

Adipose tissue consists of two types of cell; the adipocyte and the non-adipocyte {Rodbell, 1964). The adipocyte is unique amongst mammalian cell types in that one class of component {TG) comprises up to 80% of its weight. These TG's constitute the major energy storage material in higher animals. The importance of adipose tissue in mammalian metabolism lies in its ability to store free-fatty acids {FFA) as TG and to release them again according to physiological demands. It is therefore understandable that the pathways of synthesis and degradation should be under strict control. Apart from adipose tissue TG metabolism is especially active in the mammary gland during lactation and in the liver and intestinal mucosa cells during synthesis and secretion of serum lipoproteins. [From Chapter 1]