Metabolism and Nutrition

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to metabolism and nutrition.

Glycogen

A polysaccharide consisting of branched glucose monomers; the only stored form of carbohydrate in our bodies.

Glycogenesis

Producing glycogen from glucose.

Glycogenolysis

The opposite of glycogenesis; stored glycogen is broken down into glucose and released into the blood.

Gluconeogenesis

Forming new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources like fat or protein.

Triglycerides

Fats; one subgroup of lipids.

Lipogenesis

Fat synthesis.

Lipolysis

Oxidation (catabolism) of lipids to yield glucose (which then yields ATP).

Beta oxidation

Fatty acid -> Acetyl-CoA + [H2] + 2 shorter fatty acid.

Ketogenesis

Formation of ketoacids (ketone bodies) in the liver due to high levels of Acetyl-CoA from Beta oxidation.

Transamination

Transfer of an amino group (NH2) to pyruvic acid or another acid in the Krebs cycle to form an amino acid.

Deamination

Removal of an amino group leaving the carbons of a carboxylic acid to be used to make ATP. Ammonia -> Urea

Essential amino acids

Amino acids that can’t be synthesized by the body.

Non-essential amino acids

Amino acids that can be synthesized by the body (with an amino group + carbs/lipids).

Pivotal molecules

Entry points into, and out of the Krebs cycle: acetyl-CoA, glucose-6-phosphate, and pyruvic acid.

Absorptive state

Ingested nutrients are entering the bloodstream from the digestive tract; storage is important.

Postabsorptive state

Energy needs must be met by fuels in the body; maintaining a steady blood glucose is critical.

Evaporation

Converting a liquid to a gas (sweat, moisture from respiratory tract).

Conduction

Materials in contact with the body.

Convection

Gas or liquid flows over an object.

Thermal radiation

Electromagnetic radiation (infrared, and encompassing visible light) between two bodies not in contact.

Hypothalamic Thermostat

The control center that functions as the body’s thermostat; a group of neurons in the anterior part (preoptic area) of the Hypothalamus.

Basal metabolic rate (BMR)

Measured with the body in a quiet, fasting condition.