Increased BMR is associated with –
**Core Concept**
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the rate at which the body burns calories to maintain basic physiological functions, such as breathing, circulation, and cellular maintenance. Increased BMR indicates a higher energy expenditure, which can be influenced by various factors, including hormonal changes, nutritional status, and physical activity level.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Increased BMR is associated with increased glycolysis, which is the breakdown of glucose to produce energy. This process is mediated by the enzyme hexokinase, which phosphorylates glucose to form glucose-6-phosphate. In states of increased BMR, such as during exercise or fasting, the body relies more heavily on glycolysis to generate energy. Additionally, increased glycolysis leads to an increase in ATP production, which is essential for maintaining basic physiological functions. The increased energy demand is met by increasing the breakdown of glucose through glycolysis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Increased body fat store is not directly associated with increased BMR. While fat cells do require energy to maintain, the primary determinant of BMR is the energy expenditure of highly metabolically active tissues, such as the liver, kidneys, and skeletal muscle.
**Option B:** Increased gluconeogenesis is the process of generating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids and lactate. While gluconeogenesis can contribute to glucose production, it is not directly associated with increased BMR.
**Option D:** Increased lipogenesis refers to the synthesis of fatty acids and triglycerides from glucose. This process is not directly related to increased BMR, as lipogenesis is typically suppressed during periods of high energy demand.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In clinical practice, an increased BMR can be indicative of a hypermetabolic state, such as in cases of hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma, or severe infection. Monitoring BMR can provide valuable information for assessing the severity of illness and guiding treatment decisions.
β Correct Answer: C. Increased glycolysis