What is the significance of fatty acids?

They are a fundamental part of the diet in humans, and are also found in the bloodstream and in cells and tissues. Fatty acids serve as major energy sources, as most diets have a large amount of triglyceride. The glycerol generated by lipolysis functions as a source of carbon for gluconeogenesis in the liver, as fats in the body essentially function as stored energy for later use. Fatty acids also have structural significance and are vital to the cell membrane as they function as components of phospholipids. Phospholipids are vital components of cell membranes and plasma lipoproteins. The improper functioning of fatty acids are involved in development of diseases such as medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. This disease hinders fatty acid oxidation and leads to diminished energy production in humans, and thus can cause hypoglycemic attacks.