Biology Chapter on Nutrients

The study of living organisms and their components. It explores everything from the smallest cells to complex ecosystems.

Chemicals essential for maintaining life. They provide energy, building blocks, and regulate processes.

Nutrients containing carbon, usually derived from living things.

Nutrients lacking carbon, typically from non-living sources like rocks and soil.

Sugars, starches, and fibers that provide energy for the body.

A strong, fibrous material made of long chains of glucose molecules. It provides structural support in plant cell walls, but humans cannot digest it.

Large molecules made of chains of amino acids. They are essential for many bodily functions, and their structure defines their specific job.

The unique building blocks of proteins. Each has a central structure with a specific side group.

The bond that connects amino acids together to form a protein chain. It is formed through dehydration synthesis.

The specific sequence of amino acids in a protein chain. It determines the protein's final 3D shape and function.

The order of amino acids in a protein chain. It's like the recipe for the protein, determining its final shape and function.

The local folding of a protein chain into specific shapes like alpha-helices and beta-sheets, caused by hydrogen bonds between backbone atoms.

The overall 3D shape of a single protein chain, determined by interactions between amino acid side chains.

The arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains in a protein, like how several strands of yarn come together to make a sweater.

Disruption of a protein's 3D structure, often caused by heat or changes in pH. This can cause the protein to lose its function.