Question

Metabolism is the collective term used to describe all the chemical reactions taking place inside living organisms. Why is water so important for metabolic reactions? 24. We store excess food in our body either in the form of carbohydrates (in muscles and the liver) or as fat (adipose tissue). When our body needs additional energy it uses the carbohydrate source first as a source of "quick" energy, then the fat. Why do you think carbohydrates are used as a source of quick energy rather than fat? Use complete sentences and scientific terminology in your response.

Answer 1

Water has a solvent capacity in wich happens all the metabolic reactions

Carbohydrates are used as a source of quick energy, because it´s used a very small amount of ATP to degrade carbohydrates compare to the lipids that need more ATP to be degraded. In addition to that, the carbohydrates are easly found in nature, easier than lipids. They are at the base of the trophic chain, present in the plant, fruits and vegetables.

Answer 2

See answer below

Step-by-step explanation:

Question 1

It is first important to note that about 60% of the total content of the human body is water. Water is essential for living processes that occur within the body, such as cushioning joints and vital organs in the body, producing energy for food and facilitating nutrients absorption.

All chemical reactions and enzymatic reaction require water to occur. For example, enzymes involved in reactions require specific water level in their structures to sustain their 3-D conformation and to also maintain their functionality.

Water helps to transport hormones, oxygen, nutrients, and other waste products. Without water, proper digestion won't occur. For example, water helps to digest soluble fibers during digestion.

Question 2

When a carbohydrate rich meal is eaten, the complex sugars like starch is broken down to simple sugars like glucose, galactose and fructose. These are then used to produce quick energy when needed.

In cellular respiration, glucose is the basic molecule used to produce ATP (energy) for various metabolic activities. Glucose undergoes the process of glycolysis to produce energy. It is also important to note that glucose is the primary source of energy for the brain.

In the case of unused glucose, it is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles for subsequent use.

It is important to also note that, although fats contain more energy compared to carbohydrates, fats can't be easily converted to glucose which is the primary molecule used in cellular respiration.

Furthermore, fats can only produce energy through the aerobic pathway (presence of energy), while carbohydrates most especially glucose can produce energy through aerobic (presence of oxygen) and anaerobic (absence of oxygen) pathways.

But when there is a depletion in the glucose stores, the body catabolizes triacylglycerols to produce free fatty acids which is then further used to produce energy.