Metabolism Overview Quiz

Study Notes

Definition and Overview

Metabolism: the process by which the body converts food into energy and the necessary building blocks for growth, maintenance, and repair
Involves a series of chemical reactions that occur within cells to sustain life

Types of Metabolism

Catabolism: breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy (e.g., digestion, cellular respiration)
Anabolism: synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy (e.g., protein synthesis, glycogen synthesis)

Metabolic Pathways

Glycolysis: breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH
Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle): breakdown of acetyl-CoA into ATP, NADH, and FADH2
Electron Transport Chain: generation of ATP from NADH and FADH2
Fatty Acid Oxidation: breakdown of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA, producing ATP and NADH
Protein Synthesis: assembly of amino acids into proteins

Key Players

Enzymes: biological catalysts that speed up metabolic reactions
Hormones: chemical messengers that regulate metabolic processes (e.g., insulin, glucagon)
Coenzymes: molecules that assist enzymes in catalyzing reactions (e.g., NAD+, FAD)

Factors Affecting Metabolism

Genetics: inherited traits that influence metabolic rate and efficiency
Diet: composition and quantity of food intake affect metabolic processes
Exercise: regular physical activity can increase metabolic rate and efficiency
Hormonal Imbalances: hormonal changes can impact metabolic processes (e.g., thyroid disorders)
Age: metabolic rate tends to decrease with age

Description

Test your understanding of metabolism, including the process of converting food into energy, types of metabolism, metabolic pathways, key players, and factors that affect metabolism. Assess your knowledge of catabolism, anabolism, glycolysis, and more!