Metabolism Flashcards
What is the difference between resting metabolic rate and basal metabolic rate?
Metabolic rate is the energy used per unit of time (I.e. kcal/day)
resting metabolic rate refers to the number of calories burnt at rest
basal metabolic rate refers to the number of calories needed at minimum for basic functions at rest
Which hormones regulate basal metabolic rate?
Thyroid hormones (T3 & T4)
What is the typical basal metabolic rate for females & males?
Females 1400 kcal/day
Males 1700 kcal/day
What metabolites are carbohydrates broken down into and how are these stored?
glucose
stored as glycogen or used directly for energy
What metabolites are lipids (fats) broken down into and how are these stored?
fatty acids
stored as triglycerides
What metabolites are proteins broken down into and how are these stored?
amino acids
stored as proteins
How does the energy yield from breaking down carbs/proteins compare with that of fats?
fats have twice the energy yield of carbs/proteins
True or false… anabolic reactions require energy?
true
Where does ‘first pass’ metabolism occur? Why is this?
in the liver as blood from the intestinal system flows directly there via the hepatic portal vein before moving into the main bloodstream
this is because the liver is closely linked with the pancreatic blood supply so hormones like insulin and glucagon can exert their effects here first
Is more glucose (glycogen) stored in the liver or in the skeletal muscle?
skeletal muscle
Where does energy exist within ATP?
between the phosphate bonds, hence when one is broken it creates energy
What gives cells specificity in metabolism?
they produce the enzymes needed for the process
i.e. the liver produces glycogen synthase hence it can synthesise glycogen
Describe the process of glycogenesis
blood glucose enters liver cell
hexokinase changes it to glucose-6-phosphate (ATP)
then to glucose-1-phosphate
then glycogen synthase changes it to glycogen
Describe the process of glycogenolysis
glycogen in liver cell
glycogen phosphorylase changes it to glucose-1-phosphate
then to glucose-6-phosphate
glucose-6-phosphatase converts to glucose
glucose moves to blood stream
What key metabolic functions does the liver have?
gluconeogenesis (synthesis of new glucose from lactate & amino acids)
ketogenesis (synthesis of ketones from fatty acids & amino acids for alternative energy)
lipogenesis (synthesis of lipids from glucose & amino acids)
Does skeletal muscle only get energy from glucose?
usually yes- in a fasted state it can use lipids as an energy source
Can glycogen stored in skeletal muscle be used elsewhere in the body for energy?
no- skeletal muscle that stores it, uses it
What function does adipose tissue have other than storing lipids?
it is also an endocrine organ releasing hormones (aka adipokines) i.e. leptin which is used in appetite regulation
How low do oxygen levels need to drop to cause damage or even result in death?
<2mmol/L
How long does it take for the brain to adapt to using ketones as an energy source when glucose is low?
3-4 days
How does growth hormone interact with proteins? How does this differ with fats?
GH protects protein reserves & stops us ‘eating’ through them for energy, whereas it has a catabolic effect on fats to release it as energy during periods of starvation
Are catecholamines, cortisol and growth hormone active in fed or fasted states?
fasted/starvation