The hormone that plays a key role in regulating metabolism by controlling the burning (oxidation) of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, resulting in the liberation of energy in the body, is thyroxine. It is produced by the thyroid gland and influences the rate at which the body converts food into energy.
Chemical Reactions Involved:
- Burning of Fats (lipid metabolism):
In the presence of oxygen, fatty acids are broken down into acetyl-CoA, which enters the citric acid cycle to release energy:
\[
\text{C}_{16}\text{H}_{32}\text{O}_2 + 23\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 16\text{CO}_2 + 16\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{Energy}
\]
- Burning of Proteins (protein metabolism):
Amino acids are broken down into ammonia and acetyl-CoA, which also enters the citric acid cycle:
\[
\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{N}_2\text{O}_3 + 3\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 6\text{CO}_2 + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{Energy}
\]
- Burning of Carbohydrates (glucose metabolism):
The process of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation helps convert glucose into energy:
\[
\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{Energy}
\]
These processes are regulated by thyroxine, which increases the metabolic rate by enhancing the oxidation of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This results in the release of energy, maintaining body functions.
Diagram for Thyroxine Regulation:
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