B9.4 Metabolism and the liver Flashcards
What is the definition of metabolism?
Is the sum of all the reactions that take place in a cell or in the body
What are some common examples of metabolic reactions?
Reactions of respiration
Reactions of photsynthesis
What are some functions of the liver?
Detoxifying poisonous substances such as ethanol from alcoholic drinks
Passing the breakdown products into the blood so they can be execreted
Breaking down old - worn-out blood cells and storing the iron until is needed
How does lactic acid get removed?
In the liver due to the blood flowing through the muscles transports the lactic acid to the liver where it is converted into glucose
When is the oxygen debt repaid?
Once the lactic acid has been converted back to glucose and the glucose has been completely broken down in aerobic respiration to form CO2 + water