Respiratory and Thermogenic Capacities of Cells and Mitochondria from Brown and White Adipose Tissue

Adipose tissues (ATs) in mammals are distinguished as being brown or white. Brown adipose tissues (BAT) has as its function the production of heat, and thus has a high oxidative capacity, evidenced by the extraordinarily high density of mitochondria in the cells. White adipose tissue (WAT) is primarily an energy-storing tissue, with low oxidative capacity. However, studies of metabolic activity are relevant for both tissues.