Which Statement About Triacylglycerol Synthesis is CORRECT

Question

Which statement about triacylglycerol synthesis is CORRECT?
A) Humans can store more energy in glycogen than in triacylglycerols.
B) Insulin stimulates conversion of dietary carbohydrate into triacylglycerols.
C) It is not a hormone-sensitive process.
D) Mammals are unable to convert carbohydrates into triacylglycerols.
E) Phosphatidate is not on the pathway of triacylglycerol synthesis.

Accepted Answer

Insulin stimulates the conversion of excess dietary carbohydrate into fatty acids in the liver, which are then esterified with glycerol to form triacylglycerols for storage in adipose tissue. This process is called lipogenesis and is hormone-sensitive, as insulin is the main hormone that stimulates it. Choice A is incorrect as triacylglycerols are a more efficient form of energy storage than glycogen. Choice C is incorrect as mentioned above, lipogenesis is hormone-sensitive. Choice D is incorrect as mammals are able to convert carbohydrates into triacylglycerols. Choice E is incorrect as phosphatidate is a precursor to triacylglycerol synthesis.