Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Introduction to Metabolism

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Introduction to Metabolism

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1:25 minutes

Problem 11

Textbook Question

Explain how your body can convert excess carbohydrates in the diet to fats. Can excess carbohydrates be converted to protein? What else must be supplied?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand that excess carbohydrates are first converted into glucose, which is used for immediate energy needs or stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles.

Step 2: Once glycogen stores are full, additional glucose is converted into acetyl-CoA through glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.

Step 3: Acetyl-CoA serves as a building block for fatty acid synthesis, which occurs in the liver and adipose tissue, leading to the formation of triglycerides (fats) for long-term energy storage.

Step 4: Recognize that excess carbohydrates cannot be directly converted into proteins, as proteins are made from amino acids, which must be obtained from dietary proteins or synthesized from other amino acids.

Step 5: Note that for protein synthesis, essential amino acids must be supplied through the diet, as the body cannot synthesize them from carbohydrates or fats.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrate metabolism refers to the biochemical processes that convert carbohydrates into energy. When carbohydrates are consumed, they are broken down into glucose, which can be used immediately for energy or stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. When glycogen stores are full, excess glucose can be converted into fatty acids through a process called lipogenesis, leading to fat storage.

Lipogenesis

Lipogenesis is the metabolic pathway through which excess carbohydrates are converted into fatty acids and subsequently stored as fat in adipose tissue. This process occurs primarily in the liver and adipose tissue when there is an abundance of glucose and energy, allowing the body to store energy for future use. Hormones like insulin play a crucial role in promoting lipogenesis after carbohydrate-rich meals.

Protein Synthesis and Nitrogen Balance

Protein synthesis is the process by which cells build proteins from amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. While carbohydrates can be converted into fats, they cannot be directly converted into proteins. For protein synthesis to occur, essential amino acids must be supplied through the diet, and a positive nitrogen balance is necessary, meaning that the intake of nitrogen (from proteins) exceeds its loss.