Chapter 25, Problem 25.22EP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To differentiate the structure of dihydroxyacetone phosphate from $\text{glycerol 3}-\text{phosphate}$.

Concept introduction: Triacylglycerol mobilization is an ongoing process in which triacylglycerols that are stored in the adipose tissue are hydrolyzed. Fatty acids and glycerol are the products of triacylglycerol mobilization. The products are released into the bloodstream.

After entering the bloodstream, the glycerol travels to the kidneys or liver. The first stage of glycerol metabolism occurs in the liver or kidney where it is converted to dihydroxyacetone phosphate. After the first stage, the remaining stages of glycerol metabolism are the same as glucose pathways. The overall equation for glycerol metabolism is as follows:

$\text{Glycerol}+\text{ATP}+{\text{NAD}}^{+}\to \text{Dihydroxyacetone phosphate}+\text{ADP}+\text{NADH}+{\text{H}}^{+}$

The first stage of glycerol metabolism is a two-step process in which $\text{glycerol 3}-\text{phosphate}$ is formed as an intermediate.