Food

Amino acid

Subunit of a protein composed of C, H, O and N. May sometimes contain S and P.

Anabolic Reaction

A reaction which requires energy due to the forming of bonds as small and simple molecules are converted to large and complex.

Antibody

A protein produced in response to an antigen/pathogen.

Balanced Diet

Correct amount of each food group from the food pyramid.

Catabolic Reaction

A reaction in which energy is released when large/complex molecules are broken down into small/simple molecules.

Disaccharide

Two sugar units joined together such as maltose.

Enzyme

Biological catalyst composed of protein.

Excretion

Removal of waste products of metabolism.

Fat soluble vitamin

Vitamins that do not dissolve in water, e.g. vitamin D.

Fat

Lipid that is solid at room temperature.

Haemoglobin

Protein required to carry oxygen in the blood.

Hormone

Composed of protein designed to carry chemical messages around the human body, dissolved in plasma of blood.

Metabolism

Sum of all chemical reactions in a living organism.

Monosaccharide

Single sugar unit with the general formula Cx(H2O)y, e.g. glucose.

Oil

Lipid that is liquid at room temperature.

Phospholipid

A lipid with the 3rd fatty acid replaced by phosphate.

Polysaccharide

More than two sugar units joined together.

Trace Element

Mineral required by a living organism in small amounts, e.g. Iron.

Triglyceride

Subunit of a lipid composed of C, H, and O in the form of glycerol and fatty acids.

Water soluble vitamin

Vitamins that dissolve in water, e.g. vitamin C.

Biomolecules

Chemicals that are made inside a living thing