Ch. 6: Proteins Flashcards
What are the main functions of protein for the body?
Form structures in the body, make up a key part of the blood, helps regulate body functions, and can help serve as fuel
Out of the 20 amino acids that the body uses, how many are considered essential?
9
What are amino acids made of?
Nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen
What is the basic structure of an amino acid?
It consists of one amino group, a carbon skeleton, and an acid group; the carbon skeleton determines the type of amino acid.
Why is it important for essential amino acids to be consumed?
Because it prevents the body from losing function
Amino acids are chemically bonded to each other to form _________.
Proteins
What determines how proteins are created?
DNA
In the cell, how do proteins receive directions from the DNA if the DNA cannot leave the nucleus?
Through RNA, RNA leaves the nucleus and goes to ribosomes.
Why is denaturation of proteins upon food consumption important for the body?
It helps with digestion and reduces their ability to cause allergic reactions.
What is the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Scor (DIAAS)?
A way of measuring the quality of dietary proteins. It’s based off of amino acid digestibility at the end of the small intestine.
Why do food allergies tend to occur to some people?
Because the immune systme mistakes the food protein for a harmful invader.
Why are complementary proteins important when pairing plant food sources?
Because plant food sources don’t have all 9 types of amino acids, so you need to consume other foods to get all 9.
What does it mean for a protein food to be considered “high-quality?”
It means that the food contains ample amounts of all 9 essential amino acids.
Where and how does protein digestion begin?
In the stomach, where stomach acid and pepsin breaks down the proteins into shorter chains of amino acids.
What are the final products of protein digestion, and where do they go after absorption?
Individual amino acids -> the liver
How do proteins help regulate acid-base balance in the body?
By pumping chemical ions in and out of cells.
What is protein turnover?
A process by which a cell can respond to its changing environment by making proteins that are needed and desassembling proteins that are not needed.
For adults, how much protein is generally turned over daily?
250 grams
Why are amino acid supplements not considered safe?
Because during digestion, they overwhelm the small intestine, causing amino acid imbalances.
What conditions are often seen when a child doesn’t get the protein and calories they need?
Kwashiorkor and marasmus
What is nutritional genomics?
The study of interactions between nutrition and genetics
What are some nutritional diseases with a genetic link?
Cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer
What is the difference between nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics?
Nutrigenetics examine how genetics affect your nutrition, while nutrigenomics is the other way around.
What are some nutrients that vegans have trouble getting suffiecient quantities of?
Calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids
What are the three types of vegetarians?
No animal products, no animal meat, and no red meat
What are some benefits of the vegetarian eating pattern?
Good heart health, cancer prevention, and diabetes control
