Bioenergetics and Exercising - Chapter 2

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts and terms related to bioenergetics and energy systems involved in exercising, focusing on metabolic pathways and energy production.

Bioenergetics

The study of chemical pathways that convert substrates to energy within biological organisms.

Metabolism

The process by which your body converts food and drink (via chemical reactions) into energy for your body to live and function.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; the body's energy currency.

Kilocalories (kcal)

A unit of energy measurement in biological reactions; 1 kcal = 1000 calories.

Substrates

Basic fuel source (i.e., carbs, fats, proteins) broken down in the body and used as energy to produce ATP.

Glycogen

Stored form of glucose in the liver and muscles, used as a primary energy source.

Triglycerides (TG)

Stored form of fat in the body, broken down into FFA (free fatty acids) for energy.

Anaerobic Glycolysis

The breakdown of glucose without oxygen, producing energy quickly but less efficiently.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The process in which the body breaks down substrates with the aid of O2 to generate energy.

Rate-limiting enzyme

An enzyme that regulates the overall rate/speed of a metabolic pathway.

Mass Action Effect

The influence of substrate availability on the rate of metabolism.

Phosphofructokinase (PFK)

The rate-limiting enzyme in anaerobic glycolysis.

Lactic Acid

A byproduct of anaerobic glycolysis when oxygen is low, which can impair muscle contraction.

Krebs Cycle

A series of metabolic reactions that take place in the mitochondria, central to aerobic energy production.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

The final stage of aerobic energy production, taking place in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Free Energy

The portion of energy in a system available for work, such as muscle contraction.