For many this would need to be simplified for a better understanding. I would begin with; foods containing carbohydrates (sugars) are broken down and converted to energy by our bodies. Carbohydrates enter the body through foods that we eat and are broken down into smaller microscopic pieces that we call glucose. These glucose molecules are broken down even further in a process called glycolysis. Glycolysis has ten steps. Each of these steps changes the molecule slightly or breaks it apart until the glucose molecule is finally converted to two pyruvate molecules. In this process energy is used and energy is made. It has a 1:2 ratio of energy used to energy made.
After the glucose has been converted to pyruvate it can then enter one of two different processes depending on the oxygen available. If oxygen is not present the pyruvate will take the path of anaerobic glycolysis. In this process it is converted to lactate. The lactate is stored in the muscles and can be recycled in the liver back to pyruvate or even glucose to be used for energy synthesis. If oxygen is present the pyruvate will enter the citric acid cycle. This process is cyclic and is a high energy producer. In this process there is a 1:32 ratio of energy used to energy produced.
These processes are all very intricate and efficient. They are continuous and all proceed at the same time. There are many enzymes used to help this process continue at a very rapid rate. By breaking down food and making energy at the same time we are able to maintain a constant state of equilibrium and continue to function and be productive on a daily basis.
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Great post. I think that you communicate the processes of glycolysis and our bodies ability to create energy perfectly with someone who isn't necessarily familiar with biochemistry. You explain some of the larger terminology really well and covered almost everything of importance in a way that wouldn't bore a reader. It is amazing to learn that our body has the ability to create far more energy than it uses, especially in the process of the citric acid cycle.
ReplyDeleteYou also point out how important it is for our bodies to be able to perform these processes in order to maintain that constant equilibrium. This state of equilibrium is key to the rest of our bodies ability to survive.
Morgan, I agree equilibrium is key to all body functions as well as mental health and nature. The saying "too much of a good thing is bad" is so true. There needs to be balance to maintain a healthy and happy state.
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