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BODY ENERGY
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The source of energy in the body is oxidative reactions with the participation of oxygen. These reactions take part in each cell of the body. Although the cells are integrated into united and very complicated system, energy production takes place in each cell of any tissue and organ. Energy production is the primary (but not the only) process in the cells that determines its functioning and viability. Generation of energy in the cell is accomplished by two biochemical processes: glycolysis (conversion of glucose to lactic acid with the formation of ATP) and oxidative phosphorylation (synthesis of ATP from ADP). The first process takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell, while the second one occurs in mitochondria. ATP is the universal accumulator and transporter of energy inside the cell, in the form of chemical bonds. Energy, in the body, exists only in a chemical form. Protons and electrons are released and transported only during process of oxidative phosphorylation and the formation of NADP+. Chemical energy in the form of ATP is used in various energy-dependent reactions in the cell. ATP exists only in small amounts in tissues in small amount and needs to be replenished continuously. Brain neurons greatly depend on a supply of ATP. Stopping the supply of ATP to the brain for just a few seconds may to led to irreversible consequences and even to death. The heart muscle also has a high requirement of ATP. In skeletal muscle, ATP is exhausted after only one second of intensive work. But in the cells there are two reserve systems, through which the cells can maintain the needed level of ATP for additional 5-10 minutes: the enzymatic reactions creatine-P + ADP ? creatine +ATP and 2ADP ? ATP + AMP). Other reserves for the synthesis of ATP are glycogen of liver, fatty acids in lipid tissue and catabolism of cellular proteins. All these processes take place via the Krebs cycle in each cell. Energy generation in body cells are autonomic, but the intensity of the energy metabolism is regulated by integrating systems of the body (neuro-endocrine) and can undergo by influence of internal and external factors (stressors). Adaptogens are capable of activating the functioning of neuro-endocrine system toward an optimization of energy metabolism in the body as a whole system, a system that can be depressed under conditions such as illness, physical or mental fatigue and aging. | |||
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