Metabolism and the liver

Question 1

What is metabolism?

Answer 1

1. The sum of all the reactions in the body or the cell.
2. Can be used to make molecules or break them down.
3. Also used for movement.
4. Also used to maintain a constant body temperature.

Question 2

What are some metabolic reactions?

Answer 2

1. Conversion of glucose to starch, glycogen and cellulose.
2. Formation of lipid molecules.
3. Combining glucose and nitrate ions which form ammino acids which is later used to make proteins.
4. Reactions for respiration
5. Reactions for photosynthesis.
6. Break down of excess protein which is excreted in the form of urine by the kidneys.

Question 3

What is the role of the liver?

Answer 3

1. Detoxifying poisonous substances such as ethanol and alcohol drinks.
2. Passing break down products into the blood so they can be excreted through urine via the kidneys.
3. Breaking down old blood cells and storing the iron until it is needed to make more blood cells.

Question 4

How does the liver remove lactic acid?

Answer 4

1. Blood flowing through the muscles transports lactic acid to the liver where it is converted back into glucose.
2. Oxygen debt is repaid once lactic acid has been converted back into glucose, and has been completely broken down in aerobic respiration to form CO2 and H2O.
3. Glucose made from lactic acid can be converted to glycogen and stored in the liver until it is needed.

Question 5

What is the function of the Hepatic vein?

Answer 5

Carries blood from the liver to the heart.

Question 6

What is the function of the Hepatic artery?

Answer 6

Brings oxygenated blood to the liver.

Question 7

What is the function of the Hepatic portal vein?

Answer 7

Carries blood containing digested food from the intestines to the liver.