48 Topics Flashcards
(50 cards)
What is glucose used for?
• Primary energy source for cells
• Stored as glycogen in liver & muscles
• Converted to fat when excess
• Essential for brain and RBCs
List the carbohydrate continuum from monosaccharides to polysaccharides and provide examples.
• Monosaccharides: Glucose, fructose, galactose
• Disaccharides: Sucrose, lactose, maltose
• Oligosaccharides: Raffinose, stachyose
• Polysaccharides: Starch, glycogen, fiber
Describe major carbohydrate metabolic processes: glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogenesis, and glycogenolysis.
• Glycolysis: Glucose → ATP + pyruvate
• Gluconeogenesis: Non-carbs → glucose
• Glycogenesis: Glucose → glycogen
• Glycogenolysis: Glycogen → glucose
What is cholesterol used for?
• Component of cell membranes
• Precursor for steroid hormones
• Essential for bile acid production
• Used in vitamin D synthesis
What are the three classes of lipids, and can you provide examples of each?
• Triglycerides: Fat storage - Butter, oils, adipose tissue
• Phospholipids: Cell membranes - Lecithin in eggs, soy
• Sterols: Cholesterol - Animal products
What are good sources of proteins and amino acids?
• Animal sources: Meat, eggs, dairy
• Plant sources: Beans, lentils, soy
What is the difference between complete and incomplete proteins?
• Complete proteins: Contain all 9 essential amino acids - Meat, dairy, eggs
• Incomplete proteins: Lack one or more essential amino acids - Grains, legumes
List the 8 essential amino acids.
- Leucine
- Isoleucine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Valine
What is the role of amino acids in metabolism, and how are nitrogenous groups processed?
• Amino acids build proteins and enzymes
• Excess nitrogen is removed as urea in urine
What is the recommended daily protein intake?
• 0.8 g/kg body weight for average adults
• 1.2-2.0 g/kg for athletes
What is the function of vitamins, and what is the difference between fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins?
• Vitamins regulate metabolism & immune function
• Fat-soluble: A, D, E, K - stored in fat
• Water-soluble: B-complex, C - excreted in urine
What happens if you consume an excess amount of vitamin D?
• Hypercalcemia
• Kidney damage
• Nausea, vomiting, and weakness
What are the recommended daily intake levels for minerals like phosphorus and iron?
• Phosphorus: 700 mg/day
• Iron: Men: 8 mg/day, Women (premenopausal): 18 mg/day
How is calcium regulated in the body, and what is its role?
• Regulated by vitamin D & parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Functions:
• Bone formation & maintenance
• Muscle contraction
• Nerve transmission
What are the sources of water intake in the diet?
• Beverages: water, juice, milk
• Food: fruits, vegetables, soups
• Metabolic water: produced during metabolism
What are the sources of fluid loss in the body?
• Urine
• Sweat
• Breathing
• Feces
What is the primary function of water in the body?
• Regulates body temperature
• Transports nutrients & waste
• Lubricates joints
What are the major electrolytes in the body, and what are their functions?
• Sodium: Regulates fluid balance & nerve signals
• Potassium: Muscle contraction & heart function
• Calcium: Bone strength & muscle function
Where are different nutrients absorbed in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract?
• Carbohydrates: Small intestine
• Proteins: Small intestine
• Fats: Small intestine
• Alcohol: Stomach & small intestine
What is the role of the pancreas in digestion?
• Produces digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, protease)
• Secretes insulin & glucagon for blood sugar control
What is the function of bile in digestion?
• Emulsifies fats for absorption
• Produced by liver, stored in gallbladder
What are the major digestive hormones, and what do they regulate?
• Gastrin: Stimulates stomach acid
• Insulin: Lowers blood sugar
• Glucagon: Raises blood sugar
• Cholecystokinin (CCK): Stimulates bile release
What is GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), and what causes it?
• Stomach acid flows back into the esophagus
Causes:
• Weak lower esophageal sphincter
• Overeating, acidic/spicy foods, caffeine
What is an enzyme, and what is its function in metabolism?
• Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions
• Lower activation energy of reactions
• Highly specific to substrates