Muscle Growth Basics
This process builds new muscle proteins after exercise.
What is protein synthesis
This molecule carries genetic instructions from DNA to make proteins.
What is mRNA?
This hormone increases muscle protein synthesis and growth.
What is testosterone?
This balance determines whether muscle is gained or lost.
What is protein balance
This macronutrient is the main focus for muscle repair and growth
What is protein
These tiny tears in muscle fibers happen during workouts and trigger growth.
What are microtears?
This cell structure is where proteins are actually built.
What are ribosomes?
This hormone helps repair muscle and is released during sleep.
What is growth hormone?
This condition happens when the body breaks down more protein than it builds.
What is catabolism?
This nutrient helps replace fluids lost during exercise and supports recovery
What is water (hydration)
This nutrient is required for repairing and building muscle tissue.
What is protein?
This process copies DNA into mRNA.
What is transcription?
This is the time when most muscle recovery and protein synthesis occurs.
What is rest or sleep?
This essential amino acid is especially important for triggering protein synthesis.
What is leucine
This macronutrient provides energy needed to fuel workouts.
What are carbohydrates
This happens when protein synthesis is greater than protein breakdown.
What is muscle growth (hypertrophy)
This process uses mRNA to build proteins.
What is translation
This protein-rich food is commonly eaten after workouts to help recovery.
What is chicken (or eggs, or a protein shake)?
This cellular pathway helps regulate muscle protein synthesis after exercise.
What is the mTOR pathway?
This is the process of restoring energy and repairing muscle after exercise.
What is recovery
This type of exercise most strongly stimulates muscle protein synthesis.
What is resistance training (weightlifting)
These are the building blocks of proteins.
What are amino acids?
This timing strategy refers to eating protein shortly after exercise.
What is post-workout nutrition?
This term describes increasing muscle size through training.
What is hypertrophy
This term refers to eating enough total calories to support muscle growth.
What is a caloric surplus?