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Article Title: Energy Nutrient Metabolism: The Inter-Conversions and the Chain Reaction Leading To Oxidative-Phosphorilation and Production of Adenosine Tri- Phosphate (ATP)
by Mahundi Plaxcedia and Manwa Lokadhia

Abstract:
Enlightening people on the fate of energy nutrients after they have been digested and absorbed in the blood stream up until they are broken down to yield ATP, is the thrust of this paper. It addresses aspects on what energy is and its metabolism and why the body requires energy. The study also pays attention to the pathways to be followed to produce energy under both the aerobic and anaerobic conditions such as the glycolytic pathway, Krebs cycle and the electron transport phosphorilation. The role of the cell organelles such as the cytosol and mitochondria cannot go unnoticed as well as that of certain vitamins that help in energy metabolism. These include niacin in the form of Nicotinamine Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) and Riboflavin as Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD) which is used in accepting and transporting electrons. The end product of glycolysis is 3 Carbon Pyruvate which is then converted to 2 Carbon AcetylcoA, an essential intermediate which ushers-in the next pathway, the Citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle. This is followed by electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorilation of ADP to ATP with a total theoretical maximum of about 38 ATP being yielded from the complete breakdown of one glucose molecule. This energy is thus used to fuel various body activities as and when necessary. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to clarify the mechanisms that take place in our bodies after ingested food has been absorbed in order to yield energy. It is significant in that it will help individuals and families, health professionals, as well as nutrition specialists in particular, to be able to come up with more balanced diets basing on the physiological individual needs and activity levels. The study is hoped to positively impact on the attainment of good health by all, as individuals will be enlightened on what their bodies require and people will not eat anything that comes their way. Infact, they will be more analytical of their diets such that both deficient and affluent diseases will be a thing for the past.

Keywords: metabolism, energy, phosphorilation,, glycolysis, nutrients, electron, blood sugar

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