Exercise Physiology: Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering core terms from the Exercise Physiology notes.

Exercise Physiology

Field studying how exercise affects and is affected by the body's physiological processes.

Physiology

The sum of all biological processes that sustain life.

Metabolism

Sum total of all processes occurring in living organisms; includes catabolic and anabolic pathways.

Catabolism

Metabolic pathways that break down molecules to release energy (exergonic).

Anabolism

Metabolic pathways that build larger molecules from smaller ones (endergonic).

Macromolecules

Proteins, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, lipids; large biological molecules.

Fuel

Substrates used by the body for energy (e.g., carbohydrates, fats, proteins).

NAD+

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; oxidized electron carrier that accepts electrons to form NADH.

NADH

Reduced form of NAD+; carries electrons to the electron transport chain.

NADP+

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate; accepts electrons to form NADPH; used in biosynthesis.

NADPH

Reduced NADP+; provides reducing equivalents for biosynthetic reactions.

FAD

Flavin adenine dinucleotide; electron carrier in its oxidized form.

FADH2

Reduced form of FAD; carries electrons to the electron transport chain.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; the energy currency of the body; energy released by hydrolysis.

ADP

Adenosine diphosphate; can be phosphorylated to form ATP.

Metabolites

Smaller molecules produced during metabolism; intermediate products.

Exergonic

Releases energy; reactions proceed downhill.

Endergonic

Requires energy input; reactions proceed uphill.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

In isolated systems, entropy tends to increase toward a maximum; energy conversions become less available.

Energy

Capacity to do work; can take chemical, kinetic, potential, or radiant forms.

Potential Energy

Stored energy due to position; example: energy in a canoe at the top of a falls.

Kinetic Energy

Energy of motion; example: energy of a canoe at the bottom of a falls.

Cellular Respiration

Metabolic process converting nutrients into ATP via glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).

Hydrolysis

Catabolic reaction in which water breaks bonds to form simpler molecules.

Condensation

Anabolic reaction forming bonds with release of water.

Oxidation

Loss of electrons or hydrogen; oxidation state increases; oxidizing agent accepts electrons.

Reduction

Gain of electrons or hydrogen; reduction state decreases; reducing agent donates electrons.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that accelerate metabolic reactions; often require optimal conditions and may involve coenzymes.