B4 Flashcards
What does enzyme mean
proteins that function as biological catalysts.
What is the active site
The active site is a small region on an enzyme where substrates bind and undergo a chemical reaction.
What does substrate mean
a molecule that binds to an enzyme and undergoes a chemical reaction, resulting in the formation of products. Examples include sugars, amino acids, e.t.c.
Why is the active site important to an enzyme
Accelerate chemical reactions
Maintain high substrate specificity and catalytic efficiency
What are fats, carbohydrates, and proteins
organic molecules that are primarily made of carbon atoms. They’re also mostly naturally occuring in living organisms
Elements present in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
Why isn’t carbon dioxide an organic
There’s no hydrogen presence in carbon dioxide and it’s not derived from living matter
What is organic
- contain carbon
- derived from a living matter (formed from the remains or byproducts of living organism)
What are macromolecules
large molecules
What are large macromolecuels made from
smaller molecules called monomers
Examples of macromolecules
starch and glycogen from glucose
proteins from amino acids
fats and oils from fatty acids and glycerol.
What monomers makes starch and glycogen
glucose
What monomer makes proteins
amino acids
What monomers make fats and oils
fatty acids and glycerol
What is the main source of energy for all living organisms
carbohydrates
Function of proteins in living organisms
to build and repair muscles and bones and to make hormones and enzymes.
What are the two monomers of lipids or fats
Fatty acids and glycerol
Main function of lipids or fats
energy storage, insulation, and portection
How to test for starch
Add iodine solution if it turns blue black there’s starch presence
How to test fo reducing sugars e.g. glucose, fructose, e.t.c.
Add equal volume of benedict’s solution to the test subject shake Bring gently to the boil (or place the tube in a beaker of boiling water) for 3 mins.
initial blue colouration of the mixture turns green → yellowish → orange → finally a brick-red
What does the color change in benedict’s test show us
the colour changes show an INCREASE in the amount of glucose present.
How to test for proteins
Use biruets test add equal amount of sodium hydroxide to the test subject Add 2-3 drops of copper sulphate solution slowly down the side and then mix.
A positve test result should be A blue ring appears on adding the copper sulphate.
A purple colour develops slowly on mixing.
How to test for lipids
a emulsion test. Add 2cm3 of ethanol to your sample.
Dissolve the lipid in food by shaking vigorously.
Add an equal volume of cold water.
Positive test result
A cloudy white suspension indicates the presence of lipids (this is called an emulsion).
Why is water such a good solvent
Because its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds, water makes an excellent solvent, meaning that it can dissolve many different kinds of molecules.
Why is water essential for a balanced diet
Water is the medium for cellular processes like metabolism, nutrient transport, and waste removal.
Water helps dissolve nutrients, soluble fiber, and minerals for absorption.
Water regulates body temperature through sweating and evaporation.
What is waters role in metabolic processes
It helps dissolve nutrients for absorption
Transports nutrients to cells
What can a balanced diet qualify as
A diet where all food groups are preasent such as. Carbohydrates: 55-65% of daily energy intake
Protein: 10-15% of daily energy intake
Fat: 20-30% of daily energy intake
Fiber: 18-30g per day
Water: at least 8 cups (1.9L) per day
Essential nutrients: vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients
Variety: include all food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
What components does a balanced diet have
carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins (C and D), mineral salts (calcium and iron), fibre and water.
Importance and sources of carbohydrates
It Provides energy for the body and brain function
Bread, pasta, and rice
Importance and sources of fats
Provides energy for the body and vitamin abosroption
Animal products, nuts, and seeds
Importances and sources of proteins
build and repair tissues, produce enzymes and hormones
Animal products, vegtables
Importances and sources of vitamin C
It improves immune function, collagen production
Sources of vitamin C
Citrus fruits and berries
Importance and sources of vitamin D
Bone health, immune function
Sources of vitamin D: sunlight, fatty fish, fortified dairy