Adipose tissue serves several important functions in the body, but it does not primarily act as a fuel for glycolysis or the electron transport chain (ETC). Let’s break down the options:
- a) Store energy: This is one of the primary roles of adipose tissue. It stores energy in the form of fat, which can be mobilized when the body needs energy.
- b) Insulate organs: Adipose tissue helps to insulate and protect various organs in the body, acting as a cushion against physical trauma.
- c) Provide energy: While adipose tissue stores energy, when the body needs energy, it does provide it through fat mobilization, making this option somewhat misleading.
- d) Fuel for glycolysis: This is incorrect as adipose tissue does not directly provide fuel for glycolysis. Glycolysis primarily uses glucose for energy.
- e) Fuel for the ETC: Similar to glycolysis, the ETC primarily relies on electrons from NADH and FADH2, which are generated through metabolic pathways, but not directly from adipose tissue.
Therefore, the correct answer is d) fuel for glycolysis and e) fuel for the ETC. Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in energy storage and temperature insulation, but it does not directly supply fuel for these metabolic processes.