Energy storage, Biology

Assignment Help:

Energy Storage

As we said above, food intake and energy expenditure for animals is approximately equal. If energy expenditure exceeds food intake, then the excess energy is taken up by utilisation of body fat. However, if food intake is excess, then the surplus is stored as fat irrespective of the kind of food eaten. Excess carbohydrates are changed to fats and accordingly RQ exceeds 1. This is because fats contain relatively less oxygen and the excess oxygen of carbohydrates is used in the metabolism. This reduces the oxygen uptake and the respiratory carbon dioxide, oxygen ratio is increased. For this reason fat is ideal storage material for energy. It is much lighter and yields twice as much energy as carbohydrates.

Migratory birds that may have to fly more than 1000 km non-stop, carry fat as 40% to 50% of their body weight. Nonetheless, some carbohydrates are important in energy storage. Glycogen a starch-like carbohydrate polymer is stored as granules in the skeletal muscles and liver of vertebrates. During heavy muscular exercise when blood does not deliver sufficient oxygen to meet demands, glycogen provides the energy. It is broken down directly into glucose-6-phosphate, providing fuel for carbohydrate metabolism more directly than does fat, On the other hand, many animals that do not move about, also store glycogen as excess energy source. For example, clams, oysters and many intestinal parasites like Ascaris use glycogen as the storage material. These animals have to face anaerobic conditions and in such situations glycogen breaks down to acetic acid to yield energy.


Related Discussions:- Energy storage

5 kingdom system, what r the demerits of 5 kingdom classification?

what r the demerits of 5 kingdom classification?

Use of metals and alloys in alloplastic implant materials, Metals and Alloy...

Metals and Alloys in alloplastic implant materials Most of the dental implant systems are made of metals or their alloys. Currently commercially pure titanium and its alloy Ti-

Maintenance and regulation of peripheral circulation, Maintenance and Regul...

Maintenance and Regulation of Peripheral Circulation Pressure receptors (baroreceptors) located in the wall of the internal carotid arteries and in the arch of aorta, when

Explain the categories of fats and oils, Categories of Fats and Oils Yo...

Categories of Fats and Oils You already know that fatty acids are the lipid-building blocks. It is customary to divide  the fatty acids into different groups, e.g.,  saturated

Adaptations, Adaptations Every organism can live and reproduce within a...

Adaptations Every organism can live and reproduce within a certain range of climatic conditions. Organisms that live in hot or cold environments have behavioural and physiologi

What is the importance of uterine glycogen-producing glands, What is the im...

What is the importance of the uterine glycogen-producing glands? The uterine glands produce glycogen that can be degraded into glucose to nourish the embryo before the complete

What proportion of the progeny, In holly, serrated leaves are dominant to s...

In holly, serrated leaves are dominant to smooth-edged leaves, and red berries are dominant to green berries. Two holly plants heterozygous for leaf edge shape and berry color are

What is excessive cantilever, Excessive Cantilever Cantilevers in impla...

Excessive Cantilever Cantilevers in implant dentistry are commonly used especially in the mandibular arch for edentulous patients receiving implant supported prosthesis. Cantil

Explain the root-end preparation - endodontic surgery, Explain the Root-End...

Explain the Root-End Preparation - endodontic surgery a. Class I type preparation, 3mm depth. b. Tips are designed in a length of 3 mm to prevent procedural errors. c. Ul

The cell body of the toe motor neuron, Which of the following is true for a...

Which of the following is true for a toe motor neuron that excites a toe muscle that moves the big toe in the left foot? A. All of the axon terminals of the toe motor neuron ar

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd