[11] Biochemical Pathways Involved in Thermogenesis Flashcards
What is Thermogenesis?
It is the process of heat production in organisms, particularly within mammals and birds.
What are the main biochemical pathways involved in thermogenesis?
- Oxidative Phosphorylation
- Glycolysis
- Beta-oxidation
What is Oxidative Phosphorylation?
It is a metabolic pathway that uses energy released by the oxidation of nutrients to produce ATP.
What is Glycolysis?
It is the metabolic process that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP in the process.
What is Beta-oxidation?
It is a metabolic process in which fatty acids are broken down to generate Acetyl-CoA, which is then used in the Krebs cycle.
Where does Oxidative Phosphorylation occur in the cell?
In the mitochondria
Where does Glycolysis occur in the cell?
In the cytoplasm
Where does Beta-oxidation occur in the cell?
In the mitochondria
How does Oxidative Phosphorylation contribute to heat production?
It produces heat as a byproduct of ATP production, especially during the uncoupling process where the proton gradient is used to produce heat instead of ATP.
How does Glycolysis contribute to heat production?
The breaking down of glucose releases energy, some of which is lost as heat.
How does Beta-oxidation contribute to heat production?
The process of breaking down fatty acids releases energy, part of which is lost as heat.
What is uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)?
A protein found in the mitochondria of brown adipose tissue that allows for heat production by non-shivering thermogenesis.
How does UCP1 affect Oxidative Phosphorylation?
It uncouples Oxidative Phosphorylation from ATP production, allowing energy to be dissipated as heat.
What is the role of UCP1 in BAT?
It facilitates the conversion of chemical energy into heat in BAT.
What are thermogenin and UCP1?
Thermogenin is another name for UCP1. It is a protein involved in non-shivering thermogenesis.
