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What happens to fat droplets found next to mitochondria when an energy deficit arises?
publish date: 2026/06/15 08:00:38.945056 UTC
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Mitochondria interact with nearby fat droplets during periods of varying energy availability.
What happens when a cell faces an energy deficit?
Correct Answer
Mitochondria break down the fat droplets to yield energy
Explanation
When more sugar is available than a cell needs, fat droplets form next to mitochondria and store the excess energy. When an energy deficit arises, the mitochondria break down the fat droplets to yield energy. Excess fat droplets are transferred to specialized fat storage cells.
Reference
Biology: A Self-Teaching Guide