Sarah has a lower than normal amount of body fat. She tends to be chilly except on very hot days. Lauren has a higher than normal amount of body fat and tends to feel overheated most of the time. Explain the relative sensitivity to environmental temperature of these two women on the basis of information you have been given in the Organic Compounds section of this chapter.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that body fat is primarily composed of lipids, which are organic compounds that serve as insulation for the body. Lipids help reduce heat loss by providing a barrier between the body's core and the external environment.
2. Recognize that Sarah, with a lower than normal amount of body fat, has less insulation. This means her body loses heat more easily to the environment, making her more sensitive to cold temperatures.
3. Consider that Lauren, with a higher than normal amount of body fat, has more insulation. This reduces her ability to dissipate heat effectively, making her more sensitive to overheating in warm environments.
4. Relate this to the concept of thermoregulation, where the body maintains its internal temperature. Fat acts as a thermal insulator, affecting how efficiently the body can adapt to external temperature changes.
5. Conclude that the relative sensitivity of Sarah and Lauren to environmental temperatures is directly influenced by the amount of body fat they have, which impacts their ability to retain or dissipate heat based on the principles of lipid insulation described in the Organic Compounds section.

Key Concepts

Body Fat and Insulation

Body fat serves as an insulator, helping to retain body heat. Individuals with lower body fat, like Sarah, may experience greater heat loss, making them more sensitive to cold temperatures. Conversely, those with higher body fat, such as Lauren, have more insulation, which can lead to overheating in warm environments due to reduced heat dissipation.

Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation is the process by which the body maintains its core internal temperature. It involves physiological responses such as sweating and shivering. The efficiency of thermoregulation can be influenced by body composition, where individuals with higher body fat may struggle to cool down effectively, while those with lower body fat may have difficulty retaining heat.

Metabolic Rate

Metabolic rate refers to the rate at which the body converts food into energy. Individuals with higher body fat may have a different metabolic rate compared to those with lower body fat, affecting their heat production. A higher metabolic rate can generate more body heat, contributing to feelings of warmth, while a lower metabolic rate may lead to increased sensitivity to cooler temperatures.