What is the body's major source of fuel?

1 Answer
May 24, 2016

The major source of fuel for the body is the burning of carbohydrates through the process of cellular respiration.

Explanation:

Carbohydrates #(CH_2O)# include simple sugars and starches.

These molecules are broken down from multi chain carbon compounds called polysaccharides and broken down into simple sugars like sucrose a disaccharide (2 carbon chains) and glucose a monosaccharide (1 carbon chain).

These simple sugars are then processed in the mitochondria by a process called cellular respiration to form ATP molecules which carry energy to the cells, tissues and organs of the body.

When there are not enough carbohydrates available to produce the energy necessary the body turns to fats #(CHO)# as the secondary energy source.