Energy And Oxygen Flashcards
(36 cards)
How many different proteins are there estimated to be in the human body?
30.000
What are proteins primarily made of?
Amino acids linked together by peptide bonds
Proteins consist of amino acids which are the fundamental building blocks.
What percentage of the dry weight of humans and other animals do proteins make up?
More than 50%
Proteins are a major component of cellular structure.
How many different proteins are estimated to exist in the human body?
Approximately 30,000
This number reflects the diversity of proteins and their functions.
How many different amino acids are required by the body?
Twenty
Amino acids are essential for various biological processes.
What are essential amino acids?
Amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from food
There are eight essential amino acids necessary for human health.
What roles do amino acids play in the body?
Build and repair tissue, synthesize important enzymes and hormones
Amino acids are crucial for maintaining bodily functions.
What are the structural components made from protein?
Connective tissue (such as cartilage) and hair
Proteins provide structural integrity to various tissues.
What is the main purpose of energy in the body, and where does it come from?
Energy is needed for all bodily functions and movements. It comes from food, stored as chemical energy in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
What are the three main energy systems in the body?
- Phosphocreatine system
- Anaerobic glycolysis
- Aerobic system
Describe the phosphocreatine system.
It provides immediate energy by regenerating ATP through creatine phosphate, lasting about 4-6 seconds of high-intensity effort.
How does anaerobic glycolysis produce energy?
It breaks down glucose into pyruvate, which is converted into lactic acid when oxygen is limited, producing a small amount of ATP (net gain of 2 ATP molecules).
What is the aerobic system, and why is it more efficient?
This system uses carbohydrates (glucose/glycogen) and fats to replenish ATP. Because oxygen is required for the process, energy production takes a little longer but can continue for a much longer duration. Because of the presence of oxygen, no lactic acid is produced.
How does beta-oxidation contribute to energy production?
It breaks down fatty acids aerobically into acetyl coenzyme A, which enters the Krebs cycle for ATP production.
How does energy demand change at the start of exercise?
Initially, energy comes from ATP and phosphocreatine stores. Glycolysis begins shortly after, followed by the aerobic system for sustained activity.
What happens to oxygen usage in muscles during intense exercise?
The muscles extract more oxygen from the blood, increasing the arterio-venous oxygen difference.
Why is carbohydrate metabolism faster than fat metabolism during exercise?
Carbohydrates require fewer steps and less oxygen for energy production compared to fats, making them the preferred source for high-intensity activities.
What causes lactic acid accumulation, and how does it affect performance?
Lactic acid accumulates when oxygen supply is insufficient for energy production, leading to muscle fatigue and decreased performance.
What are the main organs of the digestive system?
- Mouth
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
- Rectum
- Accessory organs (liver, pancreas, gallbladder)
What role does the stomach play in digestion?
It churns food into chyme and uses enzymes and gastric acid to break down proteins.
What is the function of the small intestine?
It absorbs nutrients from digested food into the bloodstream through villi and microvilli.
How does the large intestine contribute to digestion?
It absorbs water and electrolytes, forming solid waste for excretion.
What is the function of the pancreas in digestion?
It produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid in the small intestine.
How does the liver aid digestion?
It produces bile, which emulsifies fats, making them easier to digest and absorb.