Metabolism and Energy Production

These flashcards cover key concepts of metabolism, energy production, and the biochemical processes involved in cellular respiration.

Glycogen

A form of stored glucose in animals, primarily found in the muscles and liver.

Facilitated Diffusion

The process by which glucose moves from the blood into muscle cells through specific transport proteins.

Pyruvate

The end product of glycolysis, converted from glucose in the metabolic process.

NADH

An electron carrier produced during glycolysis and the Krebs cycle that transfers electrons to the electron transport chain.

Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle)

A series of enzymatic reactions that occur in the mitochondria, producing ATP, NADH, FADH2, and carbon dioxide.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane where electrons are transferred, leading to ATP production.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy currency of the cell, produced during glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

Triglycerides

The storage form of fat in adipose tissue, consisting of glycerol and three fatty acids.

Beta Oxidation

The metabolic process by which fatty acids are broken down in the mitochondria to generate acetyl CoA.

Oxygen Deficit

The period of time during exercise when the oxygen demand exceeds supply, leading to anaerobic metabolism.

Lactate Clearance

The process by which lactate is metabolized or transported to other tissues for use or conversion back to glucose.

Rate Limiting Enzymes

Enzymes that regulate the rate of metabolic pathways, controlling the flow of metabolites through the pathway.

Indirect Calorimetry

A method of measuring energy expenditure by assessing oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.

RER (Respiratory Exchange Ratio)

The ratio of carbon dioxide produced to oxygen consumed, used to determine substrate utilization (fats vs. carbohydrates).

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The rate of energy expenditure per unit time by endothermic animals at rest in a thermally neutral environment.