Energy and Metabolism

Question 1

What is transamination?

Answer 1

When one amino acid is converted to another.

Question 2

What is oxidative deamination?

Answer 2

When the amino group of an amino acid is lost as ammonia, which can then enter the urea cycle.

Question 3

What is the basal energy expenditure?

Answer 3

Also known as the basal metabolic rate. This represents the energy required to maintain basic functions when the person is lying down, relaxed (but not asleep) in a normal ambient temperature. The BEE (kcal/day) can be estimated using the Harris-Benedict equations.

Question 4

List some major causes of fatigue

Answer 4

Phosphocreatine depletion, proton accumulation and glycogen depletion.

Question 5

Define exergonic

Answer 5

(of a metabolic or chemical process) accompanied by the release of energy. Negative Gibbs free energy value. ATP- ADP + Pi

Question 6

Define endergonic

Answer 6

(of a metabolic or chemical process) accompanied by or requiring the absorption of energy, the products being of greater free energy than the reactants. Positive Gibbs free energy value. ADP + Pi- ATP +H2O

Question 7

What is Gibbs free energy?

Answer 7

A thermodynamic principle. If the product contains more energy than the substrate then Gibbs free energy value is positive. If the product contains less energy than the Gibbs free energy value is negative.