Carbohydrate Metabolism Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are the 3 types of carbohydrates?
Monosaccharides (e.g., glucose), Disaccharides (e.g., sucrose), Polysaccharides (e.g., starch)
What is the body’s preferred energy source?
Glucose
How is glucose transported to the liver after digestion?
Through the hepatic portal vein
What is the recommended daily intake of carbohydrates for a 70kg person?
About 315g per day
What happens if you eat too little carbohydrates?
Fatigue, muscle breakdown, and water/electrolyte imbalance
What’s the difference between complex and simple carbohydrates?
Complex: slower digestion, steadier blood sugar; Simple: fast absorption, spikes blood sugar
What happens to excess glucose after glycogen stores are full?
Converted to fat and stored in adipose tissue
What is ATP, and how is it related to carbs?
the main energy molecure, produced from glucose
How many ATP molecules are produced from one glucose in aerobic respiration?
About 36 ATP
Where does glycolysis occur?
In the cytoplasm
What is the first step of glucose breakdown without oxygen?
Glycolysis (makes 2 ATP and pyruvate)
What is the waste product of aerobic respiration?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O)
What happens when there is no oxygen during energy production?
Lactic acid builds up, causing muscle pain
What hormone helps lower blood glucose after a meal?
Insulin
Which hormone raises blood glucose when it’s low?
Glucagon
What is diabetes mellitus?
A condition where the body can’t control blood sugar properly
What are the two types of diabetes?
Type 1: No insulin production; Type 2: Insulin resistance
What are long-term complications of high blood sugar?
Blood vessel damage, blindness, kidney damage, nerve damage, poor wound healing
What is the role of leptin in the body?
Reduces hunger when fat stores are full
Why is glucose so important for the brain?
The brain mainly uses glucose for energy and can’t use fats.
