Human Biochemistry, Volume 1 - Murray R. 1993

Bioenergetics and Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Lipids
Transport and Storage of Lipids
Metabolism of Plasma Lipoproteins - The Role of the Liver in Lipid Transport and Metabolism

Until recently, it was believed that Lipid METABOLISM occurred exclusively in the Liver. However, the discovery that most Tissues are capable of completely oxidizing Fatty acids, along with evidence of active lipid metabolism within adipose tissue, shifted the perspective on the liver's role in lipid turnover. Nevertheless, THE CONCEPT OF the liver's pivotal and unique role in lipid metabolism remains dominant. The liver performs the following critical Functions in lipid metabolism: 1) it facilitates the Digestion AND ABSORPTION of Lipids by producing Bile, which contains Cholesterol and Bile acids synthesized in the liver; 2) it houses active enzyme systems that catalyze the synthesis and Oxidation of Fatty acids, as well as the synthesis of triacylglycerols, Phospholipids, and cholesterol; 3) it synthesizes plasma Lipoproteins; 4) it converts fatty acids into Ketone Bodies (ketogenesis); 5) it plays an integrative role in the Metabolism of Plasma lipoproteins. Some of these functions have been described above.



Last update: 06/08/2026

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