Animals part 2 Flashcards
Metabolism
set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms that are necessary to maintain life
Catabolism
metabolic reactions that break down larger molecules into smaller units (digestion)
Anabolism
metabolic reactions that use energy to produce larger molecules from smaller subunits (building muscle)
Basal Metabolic rate
The rate at which energy is used by an organism when at rest
Factors affecting Basal Metabolic Rate
Body size: the larger the body, the more energy is required to stay alive
Physical activity: muscles burn more energy than fat, so physical activity requires more energy
Sex: Males are typically larger in size, and have a greater proportion of muscle mass than females of the same size, age and fitness
Age: metabolic rate decreases with age
Heredity factors: some individuals naturally have higher or lower metabolic rates
Carbs
Major source of energy for all body function
Excess carbohydrates in the body are stored as glycogen in the liver and muscle, but they can also be stored as fats if glycogen storage is full
Cellulose
Polysaccharide found in plants
Cannot be broken down by humans and therefore has no nutritional value
Also known as fiber
Aids in movement of food through digestive system
Proteins
Made up of combinations of 20 different amino acids, joined by peptide bonds
Important roles: Enzymes Hormones (chemical messengers) Transporting oxygen (hemoglobin in red blood cells) Structures (muscles, hair, nails) Antibodies in blood
Fats/Lipids
Concentrated source of energy (1 g = 38kJ) twice as much energy as proteins and carbohydrates
Many important roles in the body
Lipids in the cell membrane maintain fluidity
Protection around organs and joints
Surround nerve cells to increase speed of nerve impulse
Insulates body
Vitamins
Most act as coenzymes, binding to enzymes to ensure proper function
Two types of vitamin : fat soluble and water soluble
Fat soluble are stored in the body’s fatty tissue for later use and cannot be eliminated
Water soluble cannot be stored in the body and are easily excreted in urine and sweat, that must be replenished every day through diet
Minerals
Used for a variety of functions:
→ Iron in hemoglobin
→ Calcium in bones and teeth
Main source of minerals are plants, but we get some from meat
Excess minerals are lost in sweat and urine
Enzymes
specialized proteins that act as biological catalysts - they speed up chemical reactions
Function of Digestive System
Digestion is the process of making food absorbable by dissolving it, and breaking it down into simpler chemical compounds.
This is done mainly through the action of enzymes (amylase) secreted into the alimentary canal (one long, continuous tube).
Describe the 2 phases of digestion
1.Mechanical breakdown of the food into smaller pieces to increase the surface area.
Chew, tear, grind, mash, mix
2. Chemical breakdown
Enzymatic reactions to improve digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids
peristalsis
Moves food bolus to stomach through involuntary muscle contractions