Energy Metabolism Lecture Recording 2025-03-24 Flashcards

What are the two major types of chemical reactions in energy metabolism?

Catabolic (breaking down) and anabolic (building up) reactions.

What does catabolism involve?

Breaking down major macronutrients into smaller components like carbon dioxide, water, and amine groups.

What is anabolism?

The process of building components from individual building blocks like amino acids forming proteins.

What is ATP and why is it important?

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the primary energy carrier in cells and is produced during metabolism.

What is the role of acetyl CoA in metabolism?

Acetyl CoA enters the citric acid cycle, which is crucial for energy production.

What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?

Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces 30-32 ATP from glucose, while anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and produces only 2 ATP.

What are NAD and FAD, and what is their function?

NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) are coenzymes that facilitate the transfer of electrons in metabolic pathways.

What is glycolysis?

The process of breaking down glucose to form two pyruvate molecules.

What does the Krebs cycle produce?

The Krebs cycle produces ATP, NADH, FADH2, and carbon dioxide.

What occurs during beta oxidation?

Beta oxidation is the process of breaking down fatty acids into acetyl CoA.

What happens to amino acids during protein metabolism?

Amino acids can be converted to glucose (glucogenic) or fat (ketogenic) after deamination.

What is the significance of oxaloacetate in metabolism?

Oxaloacetate combines with acetyl CoA for the Krebs cycle to function properly.

What effect does fasting have on energy sources in the body?

During fasting, the body depletes glycogen stores and primarily uses fat for energy, with some protein breakdown for glucose.

What is lactic acid, and when is it produced?

Lactic acid is produced during anaerobic respiration when pyruvate is converted due to the lack of oxygen.

Why is oxygen crucial for ATP production in aerobic respiration?

Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, facilitating ATP synthesis.

What is the primary outcome of cellular respiration?

The creation of ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.

What process converts glucose into lactate when oxygen is not present?

Anaerobic glycolysis.

Describe the relationship between fast and feasting states in metabolism.

Fasting involves breaking down stores for energy, while feasting involves building energy reserves.

How does the body manage excess nitrogen from protein breakdown?

The body converts excess nitrogen into urea, which is eliminated through urine.

What are the three macronutrients involved in energy metabolism?

Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.