Explain the following: We store the bulk of our energy as fat. Suppose that on another planet, animals stored all their energy as sugar. In that case, to store the same amount of energy an alien would have to weigh more than twice as much as an animal on earth. If a human weighed 120 pounds, an alien equivalent storing just as much energy would weigh about 270 pounds. Why?

Question

Explain the following:  We store the bulk of our energy as fat.  Suppose that on another planet, animals stored all their energy as sugar.  In that case, to store the same amount of energy an alien would have to weigh more than twice as much as an animal on earth.  If a human weighed 120 pounds, an alien equivalent storing just as much energy would weigh about 270 pounds.  Why?

aaronq · Answer

we "extract" energy by oxidizing molecules, we get more energy from fats than carbohydrates because there more potential energy is stored in fats because they are more reduced than carbohydrates.

anonymous · Answer

Thank you! That makes a lot of sense!

aaronq · Answer

no problem! glad you understand it