Carbohydrates, Lipids & Proteins Flashcards
Monomers
Individual molecules that make up longer chains of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins
Carbohydrates
Made up of units of sugar which provide us with energy
Examples of simple sugars
Glucose and sucrose
Formula for glucose
C6 H12 O6
Simple sugars
Molecules small enough to be absorbed through the walls of the digestive system
Complex carbohydrates
Polymers of glucose and therefore must be broken down into glucose molecules to be absorbed
Examples of complex carbohydrates
Starch and cellulose
Lipids
Made up of molecules of fatty acids and glycerol
Where are lipids important?
In the structure of cell membranes, hormones and in the nervous system
Proteins
Made up of amino acids
What are proteins important for?
For building cells and tissues and making enzymes
What are proteins made up of?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen
What are protein’s functions in the body?
• They act as structural components of tissues and muscles
• Hormones e.g Insulin
• Antibodies: Destroy pathogens as part of the immune system
• Enzymes: Acts as catalysts in the body
Describe the structure of a protein
50-2000 amino acid molecules folded into the correct shape
Describe how temperature of pH could affect proteins
If the temperature of pH is too high or low, it can damage the molecule and leave it denatured so the molecule will not work anymore
