Triacylglycerols, with their hydrocarbon-like fatty acids, have the highest ener

Question

Triacylglycerols, with their hydrocarbon-like fatty acids, have the highest energy content of the major nutrients.

a) If 15% of the body mass of a 70 kg adult consists of triacylglycerols, what is the total available fuel reserve, in kcal, in the form of triacylglycerols? (Energy value of stored triacylglycerol = 9 kcal/g). Use 2 sig. figs. (3pts)

b) If the basal energy requirement is approximately 2,000 kcal/day, how many days could this person survive if the oxidation of fatty acids stored as triacylglycerols were the only source of energy? (2pts)

c) What would be the weight loss in pounds per day under such starvation conditions (1 lb = 0.454 kg)? (2pts)

Explanation / Answer

70 kg = 70000g

15% of 70000 = 10500 g of triglycerol

Energy of triglycerol = 10500*9 = 94500 kcal

No of days = 94500/2000 = 47.25 days

Weight loss = 2000/9 = 222.22 kg = 489.47 lb

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