Final answer:
The primary job of white adipocytes is to store energy in the form of lipid droplets, distinguishing them from brown adipocytes, which function in heat production.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary job of white adipocytes is to store fuel as lipid droplets. Adipocytes, often referred to as fat cells, are specialized cells that serve as the major storage site for fat in the form of triglycerides. In humans, there are two types of adipocytes: white and brown. White adipocytes are characterized by a single large lipid droplet that occupies most of the cell's volume and are primarily responsible for storing energy. These cells can appear yellow due to carotene and related pigments from plant food. In contrast, brown adipocytes are involved in thermogenesis, or heat production, due to their numerous mitochondria and smaller lipid droplets. While brown adipose tissue is more prevalent in infants, adults retain a smaller quantity, mainly in the neck and clavicular regions.