Answer to Question #258915 in Cell Biology for Susan

Question

Explain the role of hepatocytes in the metabolism, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids?

Answer 1

The liver is the major site for converting excess carbohydrates and proteins into fatty acids and triglyceride, which are then exported and stored in adipose tissue. The liver synthesizes large quantities of cholesterol and phospholipids.

The liver plays a unique role in controlling carbohydrate metabolism by maintaining glucose concentrations in a normal range. This is achieved by a tightly regulated system of enzymes and kinases regulating either glucose breakdown or synthesis in hepatocytes.