If Elisa's body were functioning correctly, here’s how the processes with oxygen and starch/glucose would work:
Oxygen:
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Inhalation: Elisa would breathe in oxygen from the environment through her lungs.
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Oxygen Transport: The oxygen would then diffuse into the bloodstream, where it would bind to hemoglobin molecules in red blood cells.
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Circulation: The heart would pump the oxygen-rich blood throughout the body via the circulatory system.
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Cellular Uptake: At the tissue level, the oxygen would be released from hemoglobin and diffused into cells.
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Cellular Respiration: Inside the cells, oxygen would be used in the mitochondria to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through aerobic respiration. This process also produces carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
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Energy Production: The ATP generated would supply energy for various cellular functions and help reduce feelings of fatigue.
Starch/Glucose:
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Consumption: Elisa would consume foods containing starch and carbohydrates, which would be broken down by enzymes into glucose in her digestive system.
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Glucose Absorption: The glucose would be absorbed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.
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Insulin Action: The pancreas would secrete insulin in response to rising blood glucose levels, facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.
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Cellular Utilization: Once inside the cells, glucose would be used in cellular respiration to produce ATP, similar to the process involving oxygen.
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Energy Storage: Any excess glucose could be stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles for later use or converted to fat for long-term energy storage.
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Overall Energy Supply: The conversion of glucose to ATP would provide a continuous supply of energy needed for physical activities and metabolic processes, thereby combatting fatigue.
In Elisa’s case, her condition might impair these processes, leading to insufficient oxygen or glucose reaching her cells, ultimately causing her to feel tired and fatigued.
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