Digestive System: Nutrition and Macromolecules

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to nutrition and macromolecules as discussed in the lecture.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts to increase the rate of chemical reactions without being permanently changed.

Macromolecules

Large organic molecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, needed in large amounts in our diet.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, primarily used for energy.

Lipids

Fats and oils composed of carbon and hydrogen, used for energy and as building blocks of cell membranes.

Proteins

Chains of amino acids that serve various functions in the body, including structure, transport, and catalyzing reactions.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins, consisting of an amine group, carboxyl group, and a unique side group.

Essential Nutrients

Nutrients that must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot synthesize them.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars that are the basic building blocks of carbohydrates, like glucose and fructose.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates made up of two monosaccharides linked together, such as sucrose.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates made of long chains of monosaccharides, like starch and glycogen.

Vitamins

Organic substances required in small quantities for normal metabolic functions.

Minerals

Inorganic substances that are essential for various bodily functions, such as calcium and iron.

Glycogen

A polysaccharide that acts as stored glucose in the body, primarily found in the liver and muscles.

Triglycerides

The most common form of lipids in the body, made up of glycerol and three fatty acids.

Hydrophobic

The property of lipids making them insoluble in water.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that have no double bonds between carbon atoms, making them solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that have one or more double bonds, usually healthier and liquid at room temperature.

Homeostasis

The ability of the body to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.