Final Flashcards
(224 cards)
the starchy seed of plants that produce bean pods, including peas, peanuts, beans, soybeans and lentils
legumes
the building blocks of proteins. Each contains an amino group, an acid group and a unique side chain
amino acids
amino acids contain
a carbon atom that is bound to a hydrogen atom, an amino group which contains nitrogen, acid group and a side chain
amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body in sufficient amounts to meet its needs and therefore must be included in the diet
essential amino acids or indispensable amino acids
under certain conditions, some of the nonessential amino acids cannot be synthesized in sufficient amounts to meet the bodys needs
conditionally essential amino acids
a genetic disease in which the amino acid phenylalanine cannot be metabolized normally, causing it to build up in the blood. If untreated, the condition results in brain damage
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
used to link together amino acids to form proteins. They join the amino group of one amino acid to the amino group of another amino acid
peptide bonds
a chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds that is part of the structure of a protein
polypeptide
alteration of a proteins three dimensional structure
denaturation
all the amino acids in body tissues and fluids that are available for use by the body
amino acid pool
the process by which an amino group from one amino acids is transferred to a carbon compound to form a new amino acid
transamination
the essential amino acid that is available in the lowest concentration relative to the bodys needs
limiting amino acid
a condition characterized by loss of muscle and fat mass and an increased susceptibiliy to infection that results from the long term consumption of unsufficient amounts of energy and/or protein to meet the bodys needs
protein energy malnutrition (PEM)
a form of protein energy malnuitrition in which a deficiency of energy and protein in the diet causes severe body wasting
marasmus
an adverse immune response to a specific food protein
food allergy
an adverse reaction to a food that typically does not involve the production of antibodies by the immune system
food intolerance or food sensitivity
a disorder that causes damage to the intestines when the protein gluten is eaten
celiac disease
the amount of nitrogen consumed in the diet compared with the amount excreted over a given period
nitrogen balance
the process of combining proteins from different sources so that they collectively provide the proper proportions of amino acids required to meet the bodys needs
protein complementation
the extent to which the body can absorb and use a nutrient
bioavailability
a compound that can be converted into the active form of a vitamin in the body
provitamin or vitamin precursor
organic non-protein substances that bind to enzymes to promote their activity
coenzymes
a substance that is able to neutralize reactive oxygen molecules and thereby prevent cell damage
antioxidant
caused when reactive oxygen molecules steal electrons from, or oxidize, other compounds, causing changes in their structure and function
oxidative damage