The genetic energy balance

[pioneer]

This idea came to me the other day. If you look at the cell, the energy economy of the cell is based on the stored energy within reduced carbon and nitrogen compounds. This is one side of the energy equation. On the other side of the energy equation is oxidation, with O2 being the most potent terminal electron acceptor. From the oxidation, ATP energy is created, which can then be used to help enzymes drive both reduction and oxidation reactions on both sides of the energy balance.

 

As an example of where I am heading, there is a normal middle aged spread where the body gains weight. Although the DNA has not changed relative to its genetic content, the energy balance resulting from the bulk DNA shifts slightly toward the reduction side of the energy balance. One possible extrapolation of this is obesity reflects the DNA shifting the energy balance more toward the reduction side, but at an earlier age.

 

The DNA shift in the energy balance is not one gene, but would reflect the summation of effects.

 

For example, the instinct of hunger pushes the energy balance toward reduction. The premium taste, attached to sugars and fats favors reduction almost instinctively. While the urge to be in motion, using the muscles of the body, turns ATP into mechanical energy and waste heat, thereby favoring the oxidation side. Deep breathing will favor oxidation more than shallow breathing since it adds O2 potential. Genes that store body fat tend to favor the reduction side of the energy balance, while genes that favor muscle tend to favor less reduction since muscle has less energy value than fat, etc. The sum of the many connected and competing genetic effects defines the energy balance set point.

 

If you look at male mating olympics in animals, this is energy intensive, reflecting the oxidation side of the potential. Females tend to store extra body fat, such that their genetics tends to slightly favor the reduction side of the equation. Culturally one may diet and exercise to shift the balance to oxidation. But for some people the DNA can still be slanted more toward the reduction side of the energy balance, making these have less impact. There can also be an induction toward constant fatigue, lowering the oxidation potential associated with activity. Generating body heat favors the oxidation side of the energy equation, while being cool favors the reduction side. When we run a fever, the extra heat generated favors oxidation, which is sort of what you want since this also means the metabolism of bacteria; lower their reduction value.

 

The place I was hoping to head, as a group project, was to list the oxidation and reduction sides of the equation. The next thing would be to have some of the experts map the DNA relative to both sides of the energy equation to see if bulk structural changes in the DNA shape-activity can move the entire energy balance. The question is can 3-D DNA can click between bulk states of integrated activities on either side of the equation? The middle age spread is more that just added body fat but also reflects a wider range of integrated changes.

Edited November 21, 2010 by pioneer