Exercise Biochemistry Overview

A type of drug that blocks the effects of adrenaline, slowing down heart rate and reducing blood pressure.

Drugs that increase urine production, leading to fluid loss.

A substance produced in the body during intense exercise when there is insufficient oxygen.

Methods used to enhance performance in competitive settings, including blood transfusions, genetic modifications, and using performance-enhancing drugs.

The process of training your body to utilize fat as a source of energy during exercise.

The process of breaking down nutrients to produce energy.

The chemical process of using glucose (sugar) for energy.

A complex carbohydrate stored in the muscles and liver that provides energy for physical activity.

The amount of blood pumped by the heart each minute.

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the muscles.

The ability of the body to take in, transport, and use oxygen.

The process of using oxygen to efficiently generate energy.

The process of generating energy without using oxygen.

Lactate dehydrogenase converts pyruvate to lactate, especially during intense exercise when oxygen is limited.

The build-up of lactate contributes to muscle fatigue as it lowers pH inhibiting key enzymes like PFK, reducing further energy production.

Calcium ions trigger muscle contraction by binding to troponin, causing a shift in tropomyosin and exposing myosin binding sites on actin.

Myosin ATPase breaks down ATP into ADP and Pi during muscle contraction to provide energy for cross-bridge cycling.

Training adaptations include increased capillary density, mitochondria, and monocarboxylate transporter levels, leading to enhanced lactate clearance and a higher anaerobic threshold.

A type of pain caused by reduced blood flow to muscles and the buildup of waste products like lactic acid, often experienced after intense exercise or strenuous activity.

Pain that occurs 12-72 hours after exercise, caused by microscopic muscle tears and inflammation.

The breakdown of stored energy sources like glycogen in the body to provide energy.

A type of exercise that uses energy very quickly and doesn't require oxygen, leading to the buildup of lactic acid. Examples include sprinting or weightlifting.

A chemical compound that helps our body make energy quickly, but only for a short time.

The process of breaking down glycogen to make energy without oxygen, leading to the production of lactic acid.

Artificial hormones that increase muscle mass but have serious health risks.

A type of muscle fiber that contracts slowly and uses oxygen efficiently. They excel at endurance activities.

A type of muscle fiber that contracts quickly and uses less oxygen. They are ideal for short bursts of intense activity.

The process of converting lactate back to glucose in the liver. It's a way to replenish glycogen stores after intense exercise.

The ability of the body to restore oxygen levels to muscles after exercise. This helps replenish oxygen stores and removes waste products.

The process of replenishing energy stores (ATP and phosphocreatine) in the muscles after exercise.

The process of removing excess lactate from the bloodstream after exercise. This helps reduce muscle fatigue and soreness.

Maintaining a balanced level of electrolytes in the body, especially during and after exercise. This is important for hydration and muscle function.