Question

the lion’s diet - lipids
fats (or lipids) within the body are ingested as food but can also be synthesized from other carbohydrates. the model below shows a typical triglyceride which is made from 3 fatty acids and glycerol

1. elephants don’t consume fats in their diet but still require it to function. how are they building the lipids they need?
2. lions do consume fats in their diet. based on what you learned in model 2, what purpose does a fat like triglyceride serve in a lion’s day - to - day functioning?

end of lesson wrap - up

• the three macromolecules we discussed over this lesson were:
• these macromolecules are all made up of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon... except _, which also includes nitrogen.
• these macromolecules make up what we eat, and when we digest them, they are broken down. the process of breaking the bonds releases chemical energy, which is used to make _
• the hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen found in lipids and carbohydrates can combine with other elements to create proteins or other large carbon - based molecules needed for life function.

Explanation:

1. Since fats can be synthesized from other carbohydrates as stated, elephants likely build the lipids they need by synthesizing them from carbohydrates in their diet.
2. Triglycerides serve as an energy - storage molecule in a lion's day - to - day functioning. They can be broken down to release chemical energy when the lion needs it. Also, they can provide insulation and protection for organs.

Answer:

1. By synthesizing lipids from carbohydrates in their diet.
2. They serve as an energy - storage molecule, can provide insulation and protection for organs.