Energy Metabolism Flashcards

Flashcards about Energy Metabolism

What is energy metabolism?

All the ways the body uses and obtains energy from food.

What is the energy chain?

Sun -> Photosynthesis in plants -> Humans eat plants or animals that eat plants.

Which organ is the most active processing center in the body?

Liver

What is anabolism?

Building of body compounds; requires energy.

What is catabolism?

Breaking down of body compounds; releases energy.

What is ATP (adenosine triphosphate)?

High-energy compound that provides energy for living cells.

What are enzymes?

Required for metabolic reactions.

What are coenzymes?

Enzyme helpers; complex organic molecules.

During digestion, what does the body break down nutrients into?

Carbs to glucose, fats to glycerol and fatty acids, proteins to amino acids.

What atoms are included in each molecule of carbs, fats, and proteins?

Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Hydrogen

The body MUST have glucose to fuel which activities?

Brain, nerves, and red blood cells.

What is Acetyl-coA used for?

Can be used to make fat, not glucose.

What is the recommended percentage breakdown for a healthy diet?

45-65% carbs, 10-35% protein, 20-35% fat.

What is Glycolysis?

Glucose splitting; 6-carbon glucose >> two 3-carbon compounds >> two pyruvate.

What is an aerobic pathway?

Produces energy slowly and sustains for longer (ex: jogging).

What is an anaerobic pathway?

Produces energy quickly but does not sustain for long (ex: sprinting).

What is fatty acid oxidation?

Fatty acids taken apart two carbons at a time; 2-carbon fragment combines with CoA >> acetyl CoA.

What is deamination?

Amino acids lose their nitrogen-containing amino groups, producing ammonia.

What are the two options for Acetyl CoA?

Synthesizes fats or proceeds to TCA cycle to make energy.

What is the TCA cycle?

Takes place in inner compartments of mitochondria; circular path that starts with oxaloacetate.

What is the electron transport chain?

Captures energy in high energy bonds of ATP.

What does electron transport chain consist of?

Consists of series of proteins called “electron carriers”

What role does oxygen play in the electron transport chain?

Oxygen accepts electrons, combines with hydrogen, and forms water.

What happens during Feasting?

Energy excess. Metabolism favors fat formation; excess protein and carbs convert to fat.

What happens when the body has excess fat?

excess dietary fat fills body’s fat stores

What happens to the body without food?

Body turns to its own tissue for fuel.

What is fasting?

Choosing not to eat

What is starving?

Not having a choice to eat

What is Gluconeogenesis?

Making of glucose from noncarbohydrate sources (amino acids).

What is a keto acid?

Ketone body that contains acid group COOH; large amounts drop blood’s pH (ketosis).

What are some physical symptoms of starvation?

Wasting, slow heart rate, low body temp, organ failure, weaker immune system.

What are some psychological effects of starvation?

Depression, anxiety, food-related dreams.

What are the metabolic effects of low carb/ketogenic diets?

Metabolism like fasting; body uses glycogen stores, then gluconeogenesis starts.