Final answer:
Fats (lipids) are transported into cells via chylomicrons, which are lipoprotein particles that carry triglycerides and other lipids through the lymphatic and circulatory systems to different parts of the body, including the liver and adipose tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The method of transport that fats (lipids) use to get into your cells involves several steps. Initially, digestive enzymes break down dietary fats into free fatty acids and monoglycerides, which can then cross the intestinal membrane. Once inside the intestinal cells, these fats are reassembled into triglycerides and packaged into chylomicrons, which are lipoproteins capable of traveling through the aqueous environment of your lymphatic and circulatory systems.
Chylomicrons leave the intestinal cells by exocytosis and enter the lymphatic system through lacteals within the villi of the intestine. They are ultimately transported to the bloodstream, where they can deliver fats to various parts of the body, such as liver and adipose tissue.
Once in the bloodstream, enzymes called lipoprotein lipases break down the triglycerides in the chylomicrons into fatty acids and glycerol, which can be absorbed by cells to be used for energy or stored in adipose tissue as fat.