Chemistry Of Food

Question 1

Carbohydrates

Answer 1

They provide us with the fuel that makes all of the other reactions fo life possible. All carbohydrates are made up of units of sugar. Some carbohydrates have only one sugar unit, for example glucose. Other carbohydrates have 2 units joined together, such as sucrose which is the compound we call ‘sugar’. Complex carbohydrates such as starch are made up of long chains of simple sugar units bonded together. Most carbohydrates are broken down into glucose for cellular respiration for energy.

Question 2

Lipids

Answer 2

Lipids are fats and oils. They are an important source of energy. They are important in your cell membranes, hormones and nervous system when combined with other molecules. Lipids are made up of 3 molecules of fatty acids joined to molecule of glycerol.

Question 3

Protein

Answer 3

Proteins are used for building up the cells and tissues of your body as well as the basis of all your enzymes. A protein molecule is made up of small units called amino acids. There are around 20 amino acids and joined with a special bond. The chains are folded or coiled to make 3d shapes. Proteins act as structural components of tissues, hormones, antibodies and enzymes.