How do humans control body temperature using ATP? (Hint: It's covered in a Lesson 11 video!)
In the Lesson 11 video, it is explained that humans control body temperature through a process called thermoregulation. This process involves ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, which is the main source of energy for cellular activities.
When the body needs to increase its temperature, ATP is required for the muscles to create heat. This ATP is converted to mechanical energy through muscle contraction, and some of this energy is released as heat. This heat production is known as thermogenesis.
On the other hand, when the body needs to cool down, ATP is also involved. In this case, sweat glands produce sweat, and the evaporation of this sweat from the skin's surface helps to dissipate heat. ATP enables the production and secretion of sweat.
Therefore, ATP plays a vital role in both heat production and cooling mechanisms of the body, contributing to the regulation of body temperature.