Chemical+Aspects+of+Physiology

= = Chapter 2 talks about the chemical composition of our bodies. We learn about atoms, protons, electrons, and neutrons. We learn of the different bonds that can be created. Covalent bonds occurs when atoms share valence electrons. Polar bonds electrons are shared unequally. Ionic bonds occur when valence electrons are transferred from one atom to another changing the charge of the atom. Ionic bonds are weaker than covalent. Hydrogen bonds form polar bonds with another atom and take on a slightly positive charge. Hydrogen bonds are the weakest of the three.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/chemical/bond.html#c2

Next the book talks about acids and bases and buffers. Buffers are molecules that slow the changes in the pH down by either combining with or releasing hydrogen. The normal pH in the blood is 7.35-7.45. The blood is kept constant by the buffering action of bicarbonate. If the arterial blood pH falls below 7.35 this condition is know as acidosis. An increase in the blood pH above 7.45 is a condition know as alkalosis.

Next we learned about Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates make up monosaccarides- simple sugars, disaccharide- double sugar, and polysaccharide- many sugars. Lipids consist of triglycerides- fat and oil. Hydrolysis of triglycerides within adipose tissue create energy and ketone bodies

[|Enzyme] Enzymes are a protein that acts as a biological catalyst. Enzymes are necessary to produce chemical reactions within a cell. Without a catalyst many of the chemical reactions in the body would take place too slowly for the body to benefit from.

__**Personal Application of information**__

When learning chapter 2 the section that I struggled with the most was the protons, neutrons. It was a struggle for me because it has been a long time since I have learned any of it. I did relate well to the section of Carbohydrates and Lipids. As a personal trainer I am always amazed how people obsess over fat and carbohydrates and the misconceptions that they are all bad and if fact they are essential for your body to create energy and function correctly and to be healthy. I also enjoyed the section on proteins and I am well aware of the function of proteins in the body. I did learn a lot about the makeup of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. I will pass this information on to my clients to help them understand how essential a health body and diet is.

The information that I referenced was from the textbook Human Physiology, by Stuart Ira Fox