Final answer:
Fat is converted to energy through lipolysis and β-oxidation, producing acetyl CoA for the Krebs cycle and glycerol for the glycolysis pathway, especially important when glucose is scarce.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conversion of Fat to Usable Energy
To convert fat to a usable form of energy, the body undergoes a process called lipolysis. This involves the breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol through hydrolysis. The fatty acids then undergo β-oxidation to become acetyl CoA, which can enter the Krebs cycle. Glycerol, on the other hand, is integrated into the glycolysis pathway. This metabolic process is especially critical when glucose levels are low, allowing the stored energy in triglycerides to be released and used to generate ATP through aerobic respiration. Consequently, fats serve as a significant and energy-dense storage form of fuel for our bodies.