In what way can fats support cell function?

Fats play a crucial role in supporting cell function primarily through their ability to store energy for extended periods. This feature of fats allows the body to maintain energy reserves that can be utilized when immediate energy sources such as carbohydrates are depleted. Fats provide a dense source of energy, yielding more than double the energy per gram compared to carbohydrates and proteins, which is particularly useful during prolonged physical activity or times of food scarcity.

In addition to energy storage, fats are integral to the structural components of cell membranes. They help form lipid bilayers, which are critical for maintaining cell integrity and facilitating communication between cells. They also assist in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), contributing to overall nutrient availability and cellular functions.

The other choices do not align with the functional roles of fats in supporting cellular activity. For instance, preventing nutrient absorption is not a supportive function of fats; in fact, fats can enhance the absorption of certain nutrients. Increasing metabolic rate is typically more associated with activity level and muscle mass rather than a direct function of fats. Lastly, while fats may play a minimal role in waste product elimination, they are not primarily involved in this process, as elimination is usually conducted by other systems in the body.