Chemistry Vocabulary - How do we get energy from food?

Energy

the ability to do work

food

any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink, or that plants absorb, in order to maintain life and growth. (provides energy)

reactant

A chemical substance that is present at the start of a chemical reaction

product

A substance produced in a chemical reaction

chemical reaction

the process by which one or more substances change to produce one or more different substances

energy conversion

A change from one form of energy to another

dependent variable

The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable. This is what we measure.

independent variable

The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

control

In an experiment, the standard that is used for comparison

sample size

The number of subjects used in an experiment or study. Generally, the larger the better.

Nutrients

Substances in food that your body needs to grow, to repair itself, and to supply you with energy

Proteins

Nutrients the body uses to build and maintain its cells and tissues

Carbohydrates

Broken down to glucose to provide energy.

Fats

Nutrients that promote normal growth, give you energy, and keep your skin healthy.

Glucose

the form of sugar that circulates in the blood and provides the major source of energy for body tissues.

Starch

storage form of glucose in plants

amino acids

building blocks of proteins

Enzymes

Catalysts for chemical reactions in living things

Chemical Indicator

A substance (as a dye) used to show visually usually by its capacity for color change, the condition of a solution with respect to the presence of free acid or alkali or some other substance.

Digestion

Breakdown of food substances into simpler forms that can be absorbed and used

Photosynthesis

Conversion of light energy from the sun into chemical energy.

Law of Conservation of Matter

Matter is not created nor destroyed in any chemical or physical change

cellular respiration

Process that releases energy by breaking down glucose and other food molecules in the presence of oxygen

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell, organelle that is the site of ATP (energy) production

Oxygen (O2)

Oxygen molecules are produced through photosynthesis and are utilized in cellular respiration.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

gas produced by body cells when oxygen and carbon atoms from food combine; exhaled through the lungs

Exercise

purposeful physical activity that is planned, structured, and repetitive, and that improves or maintains physical fitness

Calorie

A unit of heat used to measure the energy your body uses and the energy it receives from food