What kinds of organic molecules can be used by the cell to supply energy? Which kind of molecule is more effective at supplying energy than others? Give specific examples.
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Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are all energy-yielding macromolecules. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy, and the body will only begin to use fats and proteins when the supply of carbohydrates is low. Starch and glycogen can both be hydrolyzed to glucose, and the digestion of disaccharides (such as sucrose) provides glucose and other monosaccharides as fuel for respiration. Fats and proteins can be modified in ways that produces the materials necessary for cellular respiration. Fats are first broken down into glycerol and fatty acids. Glycerol is converted into glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, an intermediate of glycolysis, and fatty acids are converted into acetyl coA through a process referred to as beta oxidation. Proteins are broken down into amino acids. In a process referred to as deamination, their amino groups are removed before they are converted into intermediates of glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.
Though carbohydrates are the primary source of energy, one gram of fat actually produces twice as much energy as a gram of carbohydrate.
Though carbohydrates are the primary source of energy, one gram of fat actually produces twice as much energy as a gram of carbohydrate.
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Carbohydrates are used for energy. AKA sugars EX: glucose