Nutrition and Metabolism

Question 1

What is nutrition?

Answer 1

Nutrition refers to the process by which organisms obtain and utilize nutrients for growth, maintenance, and energy.

Question 2

Define metabolism.

Answer 2

Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that occur within living organisms to maintain life, including energy production, biosynthesis, and waste elimination.

Question 3

Differentiate between catabolism and anabolism.

Answer 3

Catabolism involves the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy, while anabolism is the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy.

Question 4

What are macronutrients?

Answer 4

Macronutrients are nutrients required by the body in large amounts to sustain energy and growth.

Question 5

List the three primary macronutrients and their roles.

Answer 5

The three primary macronutrients are carbohydrates (for energy), proteins (for growth and repair), and lipids (for energy storage and cellular structure).

Question 6

What are micronutrients?

Answer 6

Micronutrients are nutrients required by the body in smaller amounts for various physiological functions.

Question 7

List examples of micronutrients.

Answer 7

Examples of micronutrients include vitamins (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin D) and minerals (e.g., calcium, iron).

Question 8

Define basal metabolic rate (BMR).

Answer 8

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the rate of energy expenditure by the body at rest to maintain basic physiological functions.

Question 9

What factors influence BMR?

Answer 9

Factors influencing BMR include age, gender, body composition, thyroid function, and environmental temperature.

Question 10

Explain the concept of energy balance.

Answer 10

Energy balance is the relationship between energy intake (calories consumed) and energy expenditure (calories burned) in the body.

Question 11

Describe the role of carbohydrates in metabolism.

Answer 11

Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy and play a crucial role in metabolism, especially glucose metabolism.

Question 12

What is glycogen, and where is it stored in the body?

Answer 12

Glycogen is a storage form of glucose primarily found in the liver and muscles.

Question 13

Discuss the importance of proteins in metabolism.

Answer 13

Proteins are essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues, enzymes, and hormones.

Question 14

What are amino acids, and how are they utilized in the body?

Answer 14

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are utilized for protein synthesis, energy production, and various metabolic functions.

Question 15

Explain the significance of lipids in metabolism.

Answer 15

Lipids serve as a concentrated source of energy, provide insulation, and are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Question 16

Define triglycerides and their metabolic functions.

Answer 16

Triglycerides are the most common type of lipid in the body and serve as a major energy reserve.

Question 17

Describe the process of lipolysis.

Answer 17

Lipolysis is the breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol for energy production.

Question 18

What are essential fatty acids, and why are they important?

Answer 18

Essential fatty acids are fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet; they are crucial for cell membrane structure and function.

Question 19

Discuss the role of vitamins in metabolism.

Answer 19

Vitamins are organic compounds that play essential roles as coenzymes and antioxidants in various metabolic pathways.

Question 20

List water-soluble vitamins and their functions.

Answer 20

Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and the B vitamins (e.g., B1, B2, B6, B12), which play roles in energy metabolism, cell growth, and nerve function.

Question 21

List fat-soluble vitamins and their functions.

Answer 21

Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are involved in vision, bone health, antioxidant defense, and blood clotting.

Question 22

Explain the importance of minerals in metabolism.

Answer 22

Minerals are inorganic elements required for various physiological functions, including bone formation, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission.

Question 23

List examples of major minerals.

Answer 23

Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium.

Question 24

List examples of trace minerals.

Answer 24

Trace minerals include iron, zinc, copper, selenium, iodine, and chromium, required in smaller amounts but still essential for health.

Question 25

What is the role of water in metabolism?

Answer 25

Water plays a crucial role in metabolism as a solvent, medium for chemical reactions, and regulator of body temperature.

Question 26

Explain the term “calorie” in the context of nutrition.

Answer 26

A calorie is a unit of energy measurement, representing the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius.

Question 27

What is the thermic effect of food (TEF)?

Answer 27

The thermic effect of food (TEF) refers to the energy expenditure associated with digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients consumed.

Question 28

Describe the role of hormones in metabolism.

Answer 28

Hormones such as insulin, glucagon, thyroid hormones, and cortisol play key roles in regulating metabolism by controlling blood glucose levels, energy storage, and metabolic rate.

Question 29

How does insulin regulate metabolism?

Answer 29

Insulin promotes glucose uptake by cells, stimulates glycogen synthesis, and promotes fat storage.

Question 30

Explain the significance of glucagon in metabolism.

Answer 30

Glucagon stimulates glycogen breakdown (glycogenolysis) and promotes gluconeogenesis, raising blood glucose levels during fasting or low-energy states.