Chapter 6, Problem 20RQ

The energy we require fro existence comes from the chemically stored potential energy in food, which is transformed into other forms when it is metabolized. What happens to a person whose work output is less than the energy he or she consumes? Whose work output is greater than the energy he or she consumes? Can an undernourished person perform extra work without extra food? Briefly discuss.

To determine

The state of a person when the work output is less than the energy consumed, when the work output is greater than the energy consumes and whether the undernourished person perform extra work without extra food.

Answer to Problem 20RQ

When the work output is less than the energy consumed, it is due to the loss of energy which he/she gets from food, when the work output is greater than the energy consumed the excess energy comes from the metabolism of glycogen. An undernourished person cannot perform excess work unless he/she gains extra energy in the form of food.

Explanation of Solution

Our body works like a machine, in which various living cells are present. The living cell needs a source of energy. For a person whose work output is less than the energy, which it takes from food is due to the loss of a part of input energy, which it gets from food to cure the wear and tear of organisms.

For the person whose work output is more than the energy, it takes, the excess energy coming from the metabolism of glycogen. This energy reservoir carries energy which actually comes from the food we eat. The difference is that this energy gets stored in the form of glycogen, whereas the rest of the energy from the food gets utilized in various activities of living cells of the body.

There is a deficiency of glycogen or energy reservoir in the undernourished person. Therefore proper nourishment is essential for everyone. An undernourished person can't perform excess work unless he/she gains extra energy in the form of food.

Conclusion:

Therefore, when the work output is less than the energy consumes, it is due to the loss of energy which a he/she gets from food. When the work output is greater than the energy consumes the excess energy comes from the metabolism of glycogen. An undernourished person cannot perform excess work unless he/she gains extra energy in the form of food.