Metabolism and Energy Production

These flashcards cover essential concepts of metabolism, ATP structure, energy pathways, hormonal functions, and carbohydrate types.

What is metabolism?

The sum of all chemical reactions in the body that maintain life, including catabolism and anabolism.

What is a catabolic reaction?

The breakdown of larger nutrients into smaller ones, releasing energy, usually in the form of ATP.

List the macromolecules used to derive ATP in order of preferred use by the body.

1. Carbohydrates (glucose is primary), 2. Lipids (fatty acids), 3. Proteins (amino acids, as a last resort).

Describe the structure of ATP.

ATP consists of Adenine (a nitrogenous base), Ribose (a 5-carbon sugar), and three phosphate groups.

What is an anabolic reaction?

The joining of smaller molecules into larger ones, requiring energy input.

Where do we get the energy (ATP) from to fuel anabolic reactions?

From ATP generated during catabolic reactions.

What do catabolic hormones do in the body?

Stimulate the breakdown of molecules and the production of energy.

What do anabolic hormones do in the body?

Stimulate the building of molecules, requiring energy.

List the catabolic hormones and their functions.

Cortisol: Increases blood glucose via gluconeogenesis; Glucagon: Increases blood glucose via glycogenolysis; Epinephrine/Norepinephrine: Increase blood glucose in response to stress.

List the anabolic hormones and their functions.

Growth Hormone: Stimulates building of cells, tissues; Insulin: Promotes glucose uptake; Testosterone: Promotes bone and muscle growth; Estrogen: Promotes metabolism and lipid deposition.

When do molecules become oxidised? Are they releasing or using energy?

Molecules become oxidised when they lose electrons, and oxidation releases energy.

When do molecules become reduced? Are they releasing or using energy?

Molecules become reduced when they gain electrons, and reduction uses energy.

What is the function of a coenzyme?

To assist enzymes by carrying electrons or chemical groups required in reactions.

List the two most common coenzymes.

NAD+/NADH and FAD/FADH₂.

List some polysaccharides.

Starch, Cellulose, Glycogen.

List some disaccharides.

Sucrose, Lactose, Maltose.

List some monosaccharides.

Glucose, Galactose.