Fat Burning Fundamentals and Core Concepts 2

Question 1

Which hormone is primarily responsible for signaling fat cells to release stored fatty acids into the bloodstream?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Epinephrine (adrenaline) binds to beta-adrenergic receptors on fat cells and activates hormone-sensitive lipase to release fatty acids.

Question 2

What is the term for the process by which fatty acids are converted to acetyl-CoA inside the mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

Beta-oxidation

Answer

Beta-oxidation is the mitochondrial process that sequentially removes two-carbon units from fatty acid chains, producing acetyl-CoA, NADH, and FADH2.

Question 3

At what approximate exercise intensity (% of VO2 max) does the body burn the greatest absolute amount of fat per minute?

Accepted Answer

45–65%

Answer

Fat oxidation peaks at moderate intensities around 45–65% of VO2 max, often called the 'fat-burning zone,' before carbohydrate use overtakes it at higher intensities.

Question 4

Which molecule must fat be converted into before it can enter the Krebs cycle for energy production?

Accepted Answer

Acetyl-CoA

Answer

Beta-oxidation converts fatty acids into acetyl-CoA, the two-carbon molecule that feeds directly into the citric acid (Krebs) cycle.

Question 5

Which enzyme, found in fat cells, is specifically activated during lipolysis to break down stored triglycerides?

Accepted Answer

Hormone-sensitive lipase

Answer

Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) is activated by catecholamines and inhibited by insulin, making it the key regulatory enzyme for mobilizing stored fat.

Fat Burning Practice Test

Fat Burning Practice Test

Fat Burning Fundamentals and Core Concepts 2