Nutrition and Energy Systems Flashcards

Which of the following is an example of a complete protein?

Answer: Eggs

Eggs are a complete protein because they contain all nine essential amino acids in adequate proportions.

What happens to excess dietary protein that is not used for tissue synthesis?

Answer: The nitrogen is removed and the carbon skeleton is used for energy or stored as fat

Excess amino acids undergo deamination; the nitrogen is excreted as urea and the remaining carbon skeleton enters metabolic pathways for energy or fat synthesis.

During the Cori cycle, lactate produced by working muscles is transported to the liver and converted back to:

Answer: Glucose via gluconeogenesis

In the Cori cycle, lactate is transported from skeletal muscle to the liver, where it is converted back to glucose through gluconeogenesis.

Which macronutrient has the highest thermic effect of food (TEF)?

Answer: Protein

Protein has the highest thermic effect (~20–30%), meaning the body expends more energy digesting, absorbing, and processing protein than carbohydrates (~5–10%) or fat (~0–3%).

What is the primary function of phosphocreatine (PCr) in the ATP-PC energy system?

Answer: To directly donate a phosphate group to ADP to rapidly regenerate ATP

Phosphocreatine donates its phosphate group to ADP via creatine kinase, rapidly regenerating ATP during very high-intensity, short-duration activities.

What dietary fat component is considered most harmful to cardiovascular health when consumed in excess?

Answer: Trans fatty acids

Trans fatty acids raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol, significantly increasing cardiovascular disease risk.

Which monosaccharide is the primary fuel for the brain under normal dietary conditions?

Answer: Glucose

Glucose is the brain's preferred and primary fuel source under normal conditions, as it crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently.