Nutrient Absorption and Energy Metabolism Quiz

Role of Food Molecules

• Food molecules absorbed by the GI tract primarily provide energy for cellular functions and building blocks for tissues.
• They serve as nutrients that facilitate metabolic processes and support overall growth and maintenance.

Functions of ATP

• ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is crucial for energy transfer within cells, powering various biological functions such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and biochemical synthesis.
• It is used for cellular work, including enzyme activity, transport mechanisms, and maintaining cellular homeostasis.

Body’s Need for Energy

• The body requires energy to perform essential functions, including metabolism, thermoregulation, and physical activity.
• Energy is necessary to support organ functions, cellular repair, and growth processes.

Measurement of Energy

• Energy is measured in calories (cal) or joules (J), reflecting the amount required to raise the temperature of water or perform work.
• In nutrition, kilocalories (1 kcal = 1,000 cal) are commonly used to quantify energy content in food.

ATP Generation via Cellular Respiration

• Cellular respiration can generate up to approximately 36-38 ATP molecules from a single glucose molecule.
• This process involves glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation.

Food Molecules and ATP

• Food molecules ingested undergo digestion, leading to the release of glucose and other substrates that are critical in ATP production through catabolic pathways.
• These molecules are essential in replenishing ATP supplies utilized during various cellular activities.

Health Condition Related to Metabolic Syndrome

• Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of conditions, including obesity, high blood pressure, high glucose levels, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
• It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Function of the Sodium-Potassium Pump

• The sodium-potassium pump maintains cellular ionic balance by actively transporting sodium ions out of and potassium ions into the cell.
• This process is crucial for maintaining membrane potential, impacting nerve signal transmission and muscle contraction.