In cells fatty acids are stored as triacylglycerols for ener

In cells, fatty acids are stored as triacylglycerols for energy reserves. Describe the logic behind cells storing fatty acids in esterified form. What would happen if the fatty acids were simply left as fatty acids.

Solution

Triacylglycerols are uncharged molecules and they are insoluble in water. They usually form lipid droplets within adipocytes, which do not contribute to the osmolarity of the cytosol in the cells and do not require any water of hydration.

When fatty acids are left simply in their native form, they occupy the whole of the cytosol due to their insoluble nature. This will increase the osmolarity of the cell, which will lead to bursting of the cell.