Organic Nutrients: Building Blocks, Reactions, and Energy Sources

Monomer

Smaller molecules that combine to form polymers.

Polymer

Long chains of monomers.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds made of monosaccharides.

Monosaccharides

Single carbohydrate units, sometimes called simple sugars.

Polysaccharides

Long chains of glucose molecules, may be either branched or unbranched.

Proteins

Polymers made from amino acids.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins that speed up reactions, transport, provide structure, and support immunity.

Polypeptides

Chains of amino acids that form proteins.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers made from nucleotides, such as DNA and RNA.

Nucleotides

Monomers that make up nucleic acids.

Fats

Composed of glycerol and fatty acids, used for long-term energy storage.

Triglycerides

A type of fat composed of three fatty acids attached to glycerol.

Hydrolysis reaction

A reaction where water is added to break bonds.

Dehydration synthesis

A reaction where water is removed to form bonds.

Energy Nutrients

Nutrients that provide potential or chemical energy stored in bonds.

Glucose

A monosaccharide that serves as a source of short-term energy.

Fatty Acid

A component of fats that serves as a source of long-term energy.

Fiber

A polysaccharide used for structural components of leaves, stems, and roots.

Starch

A polysaccharide used for long-term energy storage in plants.

Glycogen

A polysaccharide used for short-term energy storage in animals.

Gluten

A natural protein found in cereal grains.

Celiac disease

An autoimmune response triggered by gluten.