1. By blocking electron transfer at that point, cyanide blocks most ATP synthesis in the body. The body contains enough ATP to support only a few minutes of life. It would be of no benefit to give supplemental oxygen, because electrons still could not be transferred to it at the end of the mitochondrial electron transport chain.

2. Glucagon, epinephrine, and growth hormone act synergistically to promote glycogenolysis and lipolysis, releasing glucose and fatty acids into circulation. While mobilizing glucose, growth hormone antagonizes the effect of insulin, which would otherwise promote glycogenesis and glucose storage.

3. Men have higher average metabolic rates than women, and therefore have less tendency to store calories as fat. In addition, her son is younger and would probably have a higher metabolic rate for that reason.

4. Vitamins are not a significant source of energy. The energy in one's diet comes mainly from carbohydrates and fats and to some extent from proteins, but not from vitamins or minerals.

5. The liver disposes of bilirubin and thyroid hormone. When degenerative liver disease impairs this ability, these substances accumulate in the blood and other tissues.

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