Chemicals of life and human nutrition Flashcards
(35 cards)
What is the definition of Absorption?
The process by which nutrients from digested food are taken up into the bloodstream.
What is the Active site?
The region on an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.
What does the Alimentary canal refer to?
The continuous tube that runs from the mouth to the anus, involved in digestion.
What is Amylase?
An enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of starch into sugars.
What are Amino acids?
The building blocks of proteins, composed of an amine group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain.
What does Assimilation mean?
The process by which the body takes in and incorporates nutrients into its cells.
What is a Balanced diet?
A diet that contains the right proportions of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
What is Bile?
A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps in the emulsification of fats.
What are Carbohydrates?
Organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, primarily serving as a source of energy.
What is a Catalyst?
A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
What is Carbohydrate?
A type of macronutrient found in many foods and beverages, primarily made of sugar molecules.
What is Cellulose?
A complex carbohydrate that forms the structural component of the cell wall in plants.
What is Chemical digestion?
The process by which food is broken down into simpler molecules by enzymes.
Define Denaturation.
The alteration of the structure of a protein, leading to loss of its biological function.
What does Egestion refer to?
The removal of undigested food and waste from the body.
What is an Enzyme?
A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.
What are Fatty acids?
Carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains, important components of lipids.
What is Glucose?
A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms.
Define Glycerol.
A three-carbon alcohol that forms the backbone of triglycerides.
What is Glycogen?
A polysaccharide that serves as a form of energy storage in animals.
What does Ingestion mean?
The process of taking food and liquids into the body.
What is Kwashiorkor?
A form of malnutrition caused by inadequate protein intake.
What is Lipase?
An enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of fats.
Define Lipids.
A group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water, including fats and oils.
