Apply the concept of RESPIRATION. What happens inside of a human being when he or she eats various foods? During Respiration, is the energy in the food converted into heat, or into some other chemical (name the chemical!)
When a human being eats various foods, the process of respiration plays a crucial role in extracting energy from those foods. Respiration is the metabolic process by which living organisms produce energy by oxidizing organic compounds, such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Inside a human being, after eating food, it is broken down into smaller molecules through the process of digestion. These molecules, primarily carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, are then absorbed into the bloodstream. The absorbed molecules, along with oxygen obtained from breathing, are transported to the cells of the body.
During respiration, the energy stored in these molecular compounds is gradually released through a series of biochemical reactions. The primary pathway involved in cellular respiration is known as aerobic respiration. Here's a simplified explanation of the process:
1. Glycolysis: Glucose (a carbohydrate) is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, generating a small amount of ATP and NADH (a coenzyme).
2. Krebs cycle (Citric Acid Cycle): Pyruvate is further broken down, releasing carbon dioxide, generating some ATP, NADH, and FADH2 (another coenzyme).
3. Electron Transport Chain: NADH and FADH2 produced in the previous steps transfer electrons to a series of proteins, creating an electrochemical gradient. This gradient powers the synthesis of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
As a result of these processes, the energy present in the food molecules is eventually converted into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a chemical compound that serves as the primary form of energy within cells. ATP can be considered the "energy currency" of living organisms.
It is important to note that not all the energy extracted from food through respiration is immediately used by the body. A significant portion of it is converted into heat, which is essential for maintaining body temperature.
In summary, during respiration, the energy in the food we eat is converted into ATP, which is used for various cellular processes. Additionally, some of the energy is also released as heat, contributing to the regulation of body temperature.