Nutrition and Metabolism Flashcards
What is nutrition?
Nutrition refers to the process by which organisms obtain and utilize nutrients for growth, maintenance, and energy.
Define metabolism.
Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that occur within living organisms to maintain life, including energy production, biosynthesis, and waste elimination.
Differentiate between catabolism and anabolism.
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.
What are macronutrients?
Macronutrients are nutrients required by the body in large amounts to sustain energy and growth.
List the three primary macronutrients and their roles.
The three primary macronutrients are carbohydrates (for energy), proteins (for growth and repair), and lipids (for energy storage and cellular structure).
What are micronutrients?
Micronutrients are nutrients required by the body in smaller amounts for various physiological functions.
List examples of micronutrients.
Examples of micronutrients include vitamins (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin D) and minerals (e.g., calcium, iron).
Define basal metabolic rate (BMR).
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the rate of energy expenditure by the body at rest to maintain basic physiological functions.
What factors influence BMR?
Factors influencing BMR include age, gender, body composition, thyroid function, and environmental temperature.
Explain the concept of energy balance.
Energy balance is the relationship between energy intake (calories consumed) and energy expenditure (calories burned) in the body.
Describe the role of carbohydrates in metabolism.
Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy and play a crucial role in metabolism, especially glucose metabolism.
What is glycogen, and where is it stored in the body?
Glycogen is a storage form of glucose primarily found in the liver and muscles.
Discuss the importance of proteins in metabolism.
Proteins are essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues, enzymes, and hormones.
What are amino acids, and how are they utilized in the body?
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are utilized for protein synthesis, energy production, and various metabolic functions.
Explain the significance of lipids in metabolism.
Lipids serve as a concentrated source of energy, provide insulation, and are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Define triglycerides and their metabolic functions.
Triglycerides are the most common type of lipid in the body and serve as a major energy reserve.
Describe the process of lipolysis.
Lipolysis is the breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol for energy production.
What are essential fatty acids, and why are they important?
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.
Discuss the role of vitamins in metabolism.
Vitamins are organic compounds that play essential roles as coenzymes and antioxidants in various metabolic pathways.
List water-soluble vitamins and their functions.
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.
List fat-soluble vitamins and their functions.
Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are involved in vision, bone health, antioxidant defense, and blood clotting.
Explain the importance of minerals in metabolism.
Minerals are inorganic elements required for various physiological functions, including bone formation, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission.
List examples of major minerals.
Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
List examples of trace minerals.
Trace minerals include iron, zinc, copper, selenium, iodine, and chromium, required in smaller amounts but still essential for health.
What is the role of water in metabolism?
Water plays a crucial role in metabolism as a solvent, medium for chemical reactions, and regulator of body temperature.
Explain the term “calorie” in the context of nutrition.
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.
What is the thermic effect of food (TEF)?
The thermic effect of food (TEF) refers to the energy expenditure associated with digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients consumed.
Describe the role of hormones in metabolism.
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.
How does insulin regulate metabolism?
Insulin promotes glucose uptake by cells, stimulates glycogen synthesis, and promotes fat storage.
Explain the significance of glucagon in metabolism.
Glucagon stimulates glycogen breakdown (glycogenolysis) and promotes gluconeogenesis, raising blood glucose levels during fasting or low-energy states.
