Function of Starch and Sugar

Question 1

How many kj of energy are in 1g of carbohydrates?

Answer 1

17kj

Question 2

What happens to carbohydrates during digeston?

Answer 2

During digestion carbohydrates are changed into glucose which is used for energy. The blood carries glucose to the body cells, where it provides the main source of energy in the body.

Question 3

What can happen to an excess intake of glucose?

Answer 3

It can be converted into fatty acids and stored as body fat.

Question 4

What are carbohydrates necessary for with regards to fats?

Answer 4

Carbohydrates are necessary for the normal oxidation of fats.

Question 5

How are carbohydrates useful in terms of proteins?

Answer 5

Carbohydrates act as protein savers. If there are enough carbohydrates in the diet to supply energy, proteins are used for growth and repair of tissues instead of for heat and energy

Question 6

What are carbohydrates converted to in the body, after glucose?

Answer 6

Carbohydrates are converted to glycogen, which is stored in the liver and muscle, from where it can be released later to meet the body’s energy needs. It can also be converted to fat and stored in fat cells as an energy reserve for when the glycogen supplies are depleted