Nutrients Flashcards
State the seven kinds of nutrients
Water, Minerals, Vitamins, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Fibres
State the use of water
Water is used as a solvent. It is used to keep our cells turgid
State the structure of water
H2O
What is a mineral
Minerals are ions dissolved in water
State the use of minerals
Minerals are used to keep us healthy. For example, iron is needed to make haemoglobin in our red blood cells
Give examples of some minerals
Fe2+
K+
Ca2+
What is a vitamin
Vitamins are small molecules
State the use of vitamins
Vitamins are used to keep us healthy. Each vitamin has a specific purpose. For example, vitamin C is important for making connective tissue, and vitamin D helps to make strong bones
What is a protein
Proteins are large molecules made up of chains of amino acids
State the use of proteins
Proteins are needed for growth and repair.
For example, all enzymes are proteins and muscle cells may contain proteins
Proteins act as:
structural components of tissues such as muscles and tendons
hormones such as insulin
antibodies, which destroy pathogens and are part of the immune system
enzymes, which act as catalysts.
What is a carbohydrate
Carbohydrates are large molecules made from chains of sugars.
For example starch and glycogen are long chains of glucose.
State the use of carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are needed for energy in the body as glucose is used in respiration
What is a lipid
Lipids are molecules made of one glycerol molecule attached to three fatty acid. These cannot dissolve in water.
State what lipids are used for
Lipids are used as an energy store and used in respiration when needed.
Lipids are used to make hormones. For example testosterone.
Lipids are used to make the cell membrane
What is fibre
Fibre is cellulose (used to strengthen plants’ cell walls)
State the use of fibre
It is a type of carbohydrate as it is long chains of glucose molecules. However humans do not have the right digestive enzymes to be able to digest it.
Fibre is needed to maintain healthy digestion. Fibre helps food to move through the digestive system
Give examples of carbohydrate (/starch)-rich foods
Carbohydrate-rich food include bread, potatoes, rice and pasta.
Give examples of Lipid-rich foods
Lipid-rich food includes all the oils (such as olive oil and corn oil), butter, margarine, cheese and cream.
Give examples of Protein-rich foods
Protein -rich food include meat, fish, pulses and cheese.
What affects whether lipids are liquid oil or solid fat
The different combination of fatty acids affects whether the lipid ill be a liquid oil or a solid fat.
Give an example of a simple sugar
Examples of simple sugars include:
Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆)
Sucrose(sugar)
Give an example of a complex carbohydrate
Examples of complex carbohydrates include:
Starch
Cellulose
Relationship between starch and carbohydrates
Starch is a type of carbohydrate.
