Identifying Nutrients: Describing Matter

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and definitions related to identifying nutrients and biological macromolecules.

Protein

A molecule composed of a chain of amino acids, essential for building muscles, skin, bone, hair, and most other body structures.

Biuret Test

A test using potassium hydroxide (KOH) and copper sulfate (CuSO4) to test for protein; a purple color indicates a positive result.

Lipid

A fat molecule consisting of three fatty acids bonded to a glycerol backbone, used as an energy source and building material for cells.

Sudan Red Test

A test using a fat-soluble dye (Sudan Red) to indicate the presence of lipids; concentrated spots of color indicate a positive result.

Carbohydrate

An organic molecule containing hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen; a major source of energy in the diet.

Monosaccharide

A simple sugar such as glucose or fructose, consisting of a ring of five or six carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl groups.

Benedict Test

A test for monosaccharides (simple sugars like glucose or fructose); an orange color indicates a positive result.

Disaccharide

A sugar formed when two monosaccharide molecules are joined, such as sucrose (table sugar) and lactose (milk sugar).

Polysaccharide

A complex carbohydrate such as starch or cellulose, composed of 40 or more monosaccharide molecules.

Lugol Test

A test using iodine to test for starch (a polysaccharide); a dark purple color indicates a positive result.