Chapter 1, Problem 1ILQ

View this animation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/metabolic) to learn more about metabolic processes. What kind of catabolism occurs in the heart?

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Metabolism can be defined as the sum of all the chemical processes occurring inside the body of an organism. These chemical processes are necessary for the organism to survive. The metabolic processes can be classified into anabolic and catabolic processes.

Explanation of Solution

The catabolic process which occurs within the heart is the 'fatty acid catabolism'. The degradation of the fatty acids involves the conversion of the aliphatic compounds into the acetyl units. These units are processes in the citric acid cycle.

The phospholipids and glycolipids are composed of the fatty acids as the structural unit. The heart produces energy from the fatty acid catabolism. The high energy demand of the heart is met through the fatty acid metabolism.

Conclusion

The fatty acid metabolism occurs in the heart. It provides the heart with the required energy.