Frequently Asked Questions

What are enzymes?

A protein, on the surface of which are chemical groups so arranged as to make the enzyme a catalyst for a chemical reaction

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What do enzymes do?

Enzymes are meant to speed up reactions without changing the results.

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What is GLUT 4?

GLUT 4 is a protein (peptide) that is a glucose transporter.  It is most important in skeletal muscle and is activated by stimulation (insulin or muscle contraction)

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What does GLUT 4 do?

GLUT 4 allows glucose to move into the muscle cell down the concentration gradient (inward flux)

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What is AMP Kinase?

AMP kinase (AMPK) is an AMP activated kinase that mediates the effects of contraction to allow for glucose transport.  Usually AMP levels are low, but during exercise the level of AMP increases.

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What is Calcium's role in muscle contractions?

Calcium (Ca2+) causes muscle contractions.  Chronic elevations (exercising one hour a day for a week) can be involved in gene transcription.

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What is AICAR and what does it do?

AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4carboxamide ribonucleoside) is a chemical that specifically activate AMP kinase without exercise.  AMPK mimics aspects of muscle contraction.

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