Chapter 10: Micronutrients Flashcards
Micronutrients
Nutrients required in smaller quantities, including vitamins and minerals.
Coenzymes and Cofactors
Coenzymes and cofactors are compounds or molecules that help enzymes work.
Metabolic Reactions
Metabolic reactions are chemical processes that occur in the body that help sustain life.
Mitochondria
Organelles where the majority of energy production, specifically aerobic metabolism, occurs; “the powerhouse of the cell.”
Electron Transport Chain
A chemical process where most of the ATP in the body is produced. The basic principle behind the electron transport chain is that an electron gradient produces ATP.
Krebs Cycle
Also known as the Citric Acid cycle, is a sequence of biochemical reactions through which most living organisms produce energy using aerobic metabolism.
Water-Soluble
The ability to be dissolved in water.
Vitamin B1
Commonly referred to as thiamine, is critical in the metabolism of sugar and amino acids as well as central nervous system function.
Beriberi
A condition of thiamine de ciency that a ects either the cardiovascular disease, nervous system, or both.
Wernicke Encephalopathy
A disease of the brain that is the direct result of thiamine deficiency. It causes confusion and makes people uncoordinated.
Dietary Source of Vitamin B1
Found in fortified and enriched grains, as well as animal meats. It can also be found in squash, black beans, and flax seeds.
Riboflavin
Also known as vitamin B2 and is critical in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fat.
Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide
A key molecule in regulating oxidation-reduction reactions which are responsible for managing the oxidative balance in the body.
Antioxidant System
A series of chemical reactions in the body that help balance out molecular damage due to increase levels of oxidative stress. It is also responsible for maintaining enough oxidants for the body to function properly.
Redox System
The process and reaction between two substances in which one substance is oxidized and the other reduced.
Niacin
Commonly used name for vitamin B3 shares many similarities with vitamin B2, in that is critical in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fat.
Nicotinamid Adenine Dinucleotide
A molecule that carries hydrogen ions and is used to make ATP, the molecule that provides energy for our body.
Pantothenic Acid
Commonly used name for vitamin B5 and is a component to co- enzyme A (CoA). CoA serves as a molecular link between glycolysis and the Kreb’s cycle.
Glycolysis
The first step of carbohydrate metabolism, an anaerobic pathway, that breaks glucose or glycogen down to pyruvate.
Vitamin B6
Represents a class of several related, but different molecules, each of which are important for optimal health.
Biotin
Commonly used name for vitamin B7.
Carboxylase Enzymes
Responsible for adding a carboxyl group to molecules.
Vitamin B12
The largest of the b-complex vitamins in that it is the largest, comes in many forms, and contains a heavy metal/mineral in its molecular structure, specifically cobalt.
Folate
Commonly used name for vitamin B9 and helps regulate single-carbon transfers, both accepting and donating single carbons to chemical reactions.
Vitamin C
Referred to as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is one of the more robust vitamins. It plays myriad roles in the human body.
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
The pain and stiffness that is felt several hours to days after unaccustomed or strenuous exercise. Muscle soreness typically sets in between 1 and 3 days post exercise.
