Nutrient and Energy Flow in Animals

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to nutrient and energy flow in animals, including definitions of important biological terms, processes, and elements.

Cushing's Disease

A slow growing pituitary tumor managed by medication and diet, common in older horses.

Managed Ecosystems

Includes extensively managed systems where animals roam freely and source their food, and intensively managed systems where food is provided to animals.

Essential Nutrients

Nutrients that organisms cannot synthesize on their own, including certain amino acids, fatty acids, most vitamins, and almost all minerals.

Elements in Organisms

96.3% of organism mass consists of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O); the remaining 3.7% consists of minerals like calcium (Ca) and potassium (K).

Hydrocarbons

Organic molecules composed of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H), important for energy release.

Monosaccharides

The simplest form of carbohydrates, such as glucose and fructose, that serve as important energy sources.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates formed by multiple monosaccharides, such as starch in plants and glycogen in animals.

Lipids

Fats comprised of glycerol and three fatty acids (FA), important for energy storage and cellular functions.

Proteins

Large molecules made up of amino acids, crucial for structure, enzymes, and hormone synthesis.

Vitamins

Organic nutrients needed in small quantities for normal body function, often requiring minerals to work.

Cellular Respiration

The process that converts organic molecules and oxygen into energy, involving glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

Glycolysis

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, yielding ATP and NADH.

Citric Acid Cycle

A series of enzymatic reactions that oxidize acetyl CoA to produce NADH and FADH2.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The final stage of cellular respiration where ATP is produced from electron transport and chemiosmosis.