Final answer:
Lipids are transported and used by body cells through digestion and mobilization from adipose tissue. Transport of lipids in the bloodstream occurs through binding to proteins or packaging in lipoproteins. Lipids serve multiple functions in the body, including energy storage, breakdown of stored energy, and as signaling molecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lipids are transported and used by body cells through various processes. During times of feasting, lipids enter the body's metabolic pathways through digestion. Any excess energy is stored in adipose tissues. When fasting, lipids are mobilized from stored adipose tissue and synthesized in the liver to be used for energy.
Transportation of lipids through the bloodstream requires binding to water-soluble proteins like serum albumin or packaging in lipoproteins. There are five categories of lipoproteins that transport lipids, including chylomicrons which transport lipids from digestion into the blood and eventually to the liver.
Lipids serve multiple functions in the body, including storage of energy, breakdown of stored energy molecules, and as signaling molecules. They also serve as structural components of hormones and the cell membrane.