fatty acid transport

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The directed movement of fatty acids into, out of or within a cell, or between cells, by means of some agent such as a transporter or pore. Fatty acids are aliphatic monocarboxylic acids liberated from naturally occurring fats and oils by hydrolysis. [GOC:ai]

Fatty acid transport is a fundamental process that governs the movement of fatty acids throughout the body. It is essential for delivering these molecules to various tissues for energy production, membrane synthesis, and other vital functions. The process can be broadly divided into three key stages:

1. **Mobilization and Release:** Fatty acids are initially stored in the form of triglycerides within adipose tissue (fat). When the body requires energy, hormones such as glucagon and adrenaline trigger the breakdown of triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. This process, called lipolysis, releases fatty acids into the bloodstream.

2. **Transport in the Bloodstream:** Free fatty acids are hydrophobic (water-repelling) and cannot readily dissolve in the watery environment of the blood. To overcome this, they bind to albumin, a protein that acts as a carrier. This albumin-bound complex facilitates the transport of fatty acids to various tissues throughout the body.

3. **Cellular Uptake and Utilization:** Once fatty acids reach their target cells, they need to be transported across the cell membrane. This is accomplished through a combination of passive diffusion and active transport mechanisms.

* **Passive Diffusion:** Small, short-chain fatty acids can passively diffuse across the cell membrane.
* **Active Transport:** Larger, long-chain fatty acids require specialized protein transporters to cross the cell membrane. These transporters, like fatty acid translocases (FATPs), actively facilitate the uptake of fatty acids into the cell.

Once inside the cell, fatty acids are utilized for various purposes:

* **Energy Production:** They are broken down through a process called beta-oxidation, producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of the cell.
* **Membrane Synthesis:** They are incorporated into phospholipid bilayers, forming the structural framework of cell membranes.
* **Hormone Synthesis:** They serve as precursors for the synthesis of steroid hormones like estrogen and testosterone.

Fatty acid transport is tightly regulated to ensure the appropriate delivery of these molecules to meet the body's energy demands and other essential functions. Dysregulation of this process can contribute to various metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes.'
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Proteins (12)

Compounds (345)