Energy Metabolism and Vitamins Review

Flashcards created to review key concepts in energy metabolism and vitamins for exam preparation.

What is metabolism?

The process where the body converts nutrients into protein.

What defines a metabolic pathway?

A group of chemical reactions that progress from beginning to end (A→B→C).

What are intermediates in metabolism?

Compounds formed at any steps along a metabolic pathway (A→B→C).

What are anabolic pathways?

Pathways that use small, simpler compounds to build larger complex compounds (ana builds: a + b → C).

What are catabolic pathways?

Pathways that break larger compounds into smaller units (A→b+c).

What is adenosine triphosphate (ATP)?

The energy form used for mechanical work, transport work, and mechanical work.

What happens in oxidation reduction reactions?

A substance is oxidized (loses electrons or hydrogen/gains oxygen) and it is reduced when (gains electrons or hydrogen/loses oxygen).

What enzymes control oxidation reactions?

They are controlled by enzymes such as dehydrogenases.

What is the difference between anaerobic and aerobic respiration?

Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and creates 2 ATP; aerobic respiration requires oxygen, is more efficient, and creates 30-32 ATP.

What are the four stages of metabolism that occur in a cell?

1. Glycolysis, 2. Transition reaction, 3. Citric acid cycle, 4. Electron transport chain.

Where does glycolysis occur and what co-enzyme is used?

Glycolysis occurs in the cytosol and uses NAD+ as a co-enzyme which is reduced to NADH.

What is the net ATP produced from glycolysis?

4 ATP are produced, but the net gain is 2 ATP.

What phase of cellular respiration produces the most ATP?

The electron transport chain.

What is oxidative phosphorylation?

The process where energy from electrons transferred through the electron transport chain is used to produce ATP.

What is beta-oxidation?

A catabolic process that breaks fatty acids in the mitochondria into smaller units like acetyl-CoA, NADH, and FADH2 for energy production.

What is the starting compound for gluconeogenesis?

Starts with lactate, amino acids, glycerol, or pyruvate.

Where does gluconeogenesis primarily occur?

Mainly in the liver and sometimes in the kidneys.

What vitamins are classified as fat-soluble?

Vitamins A, D, E, and K.

What is a co-enzyme?

A small organic molecule that assists enzymes in carrying out certain metabolic processes.

What water soluble vitamin serves as a co-enzyme for energy metabolism?

All B vitamins.

Which vitamin deficiency can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

Thiamin (B1) deficiency.

What are the functions of vitamin A?

Cell differentiation, growth and development, vision, immune function.

What are some food sources of vitamin D?

Mushrooms, fortified dairy products, and fortified breakfast cereals.

What deficiency is associated with vitamin D?

Rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

What vitamin is synthesized by intestinal bacteria?

Vitamin K.

What is the common practice in hospitals to prevent vitamin K deficiency?

Newborns are given a Vitamin K injection to prevent blood disorders.