Chapter 4 Flashcards
vitamins
organic molecule requiring in small amounts for normal growth, reproduction, and tissue maintenance
substrate
molecule to which an enzyme binds and on which it acts
nutrients
components in food that the body needs to grow, develop, and repair itself
minerals
inorganic chemical element required by organisms for normal growth, reproduction, and tissue maintenance (i.e. calcuim, iron, potassium, zinc)
essential amino acids
amino acids that the human body can’t synthesize and must obtain from food
coenzymes
small organic molecule (such as vitamin) required to activate an enzyme
catabolic reactions
any chemical reaction that breaks down complex molecules into simplier molecules
active site
part of an enzyme that binds to a substrate
micronutrients
nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, that organisms must ingest in small amounts to maintain health
enzymes
protein that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction
metabolism
all the chemical reactions taking place in the cells of a living organism that allow it to obtain and use energy
cofactors
inorganic substances that are required to activate an enzyme (i.e. metal ion)
malnutrition
medical condition resulting from the lack of any essential nutrient in the diet
often (but not always) assoicated with starvation
catalysis
process of speeding up the rate of a chemical reaction
macronutrient
nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, that organisms must ingest in large amounts to maintain health