Metabolism and Nutrients Flashcards
Why do we eat?
For growth, repair, maintenance (dead cells need to be replaced), and energy for biological processes and physical activity
Endothermic Animals vs Ectothermic Animals
Endothermic (warm-blooded) - need to eat more for energy to maintain constant body temp
Ectothermic (cold-blooded) - need to eat less because body temp comes from environment (no need for energy to heat body)
Metabolism
Set of chemical reactions in living organisms necessary to maintain life
Catabolism
Metabolic reaction that breaks down larger molecules into smaller subunits
Anabolism
Metabolic reaction that builds larger molecules from smaller subunits
Metabolic Rate
Rate at which body converts stored energy into working energy (factors: body size, physical activity, sex, age)
Carbohydrates
Major source of energy
Monosaccharide - one unit of simple sugar (glucose)
Disaccharide - two units
Polysaccharide - many units (starch, cellulose)
Carbohydrate Structure and Foods
Hexagon with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
Foods: potatoes, grains, bread, rice, vegetables
Protein
Enzymes, antibodies, some hormones, hemoglobin (for transporting oxygen), structure (keratin for hair and nails)
Protein Structure and Foods
Long chain of amino acids (three groups: carboxyl, amino, and hydrogen)
Foods: meats, eggs, nuts, legumes
Lipids
In cell membrane to maintain fluidity, insulates, protects bones & joints, stored energy
Lipid Structure and Foods
Three fatty acids bonded to a glycerol = triglycerol
Foods: animal & plant oils, nuts, fish
Vitamins
Regulate cell functions, growth, and development
Foods: vegetables, eggs
Minerals
For metabolic functions and to build & repair tissue (calcium/phosphorus to form bone, iron in hemoglobin, sodium for nerve impulse transmissions)
Foods: plants and animals, dairy, eggs
Water
To maintain blood volume and body temp, keeps skin moist, and required for chemical reactions
