Biology Nutrition Flashcards

Study Notes

Nutrition Fundamentals

Nutrition encompasses all methods organisms use to meet energy, fuel, and regulatory needs for body cells.
Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, essential for energy and bodily functions.
Micronutrients consist of vitamins and minerals, supporting various biochemical processes.

Dietary Imbalance

Malnutrition arises from insufficient food intake, an unbalanced diet, and nutrient deficiencies.
A balanced diet includes a variety of food groups: dairy, proteins, vegetables, fruits, cereals, grains, and fats.

Energy Requirements

Sedentary women and older adults typically require around 1,600 calories daily.
Active children, teenage girls, and sedimentary men need approximately 2,200 calories daily.
Teenage boys and active men require about 2,800 calories daily for optimal health.

Disease Overview

Diseases can be noninfectious (malnutrition, poisoning) or infectious (germs, viruses).
Proper nutrition is linked to heart disease (50% related to poor eating habits) and certain cancers (35% related).

Dietary Components

Fiber aids in waste management by providing bulk for the large intestine.
Hemoglobin is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood.

Disease Defense Mechanisms

Body defenses include skin, saliva, and stomach acid to kill germs.
Internal defenses rely on white blood cells and antibodies to combat infections.

Immunization and Vaccines

Immunization involves injecting a weakened disease agent to provoke antibody production.
Vaccines, developed for various diseases (e.g., smallpox, measles), are essential for public health.

Water Treatment Processes

Settling allows suspended solids in water to settle over time in tanks.
Filtering through sand beds removes 90% of bacteria from water sources.
Aeration involves spraying water into the air to eliminate some bacteria and dissolve air.
Chlorination involves adding chlorine to water to disinfect and kill bacteria.

Food Preservation Techniques

Techniques like drying, salting, smoking, and pasteurization extend food shelf-life and safety.
Pasteurization specifically heats milk to kill harmful bacteria and prolong freshness.

Macronutrients in Detail

Carbohydrates (starches and sugars) serve as the body's primary fuel; excess is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles.
Proteins are vital for structure and function, comprising body components like hair, nails, and hormones; found in meat, eggs, and legumes.
Fats provide energy, support cell structure, and transport fat-soluble vitamins; sources include butter, cream, and fatty meats.

Caloric Energy Measurement

A calorie is defined as the energy needed to raise 1 liter of water by 1°C.
Different macronutrients provide varying caloric content: fat (9 cal/g), protein (4 cal/g).

Essential Nutrients and Functions

Calcium is crucial for regulating muscle activity and maintaining bone health.
Sodium (Na) regulates body temperature and sweat excretion.
Potassium (K) works alongside sodium for nerve impulses and muscle contraction.
Fluoride (F) helps prevent tooth decay.
Iron (Fe) is essential for hemoglobin production and found in liver, red meat, and grains.
Vitamin A (retinol) is important for vision and soft tissue health; sources include meat and leafy vegetables.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supports tissue health and immune function; commonly found in fruits and vegetables.

Description

Test your knowledge on key nutrition concepts with these flashcards. Each card defines essential terms like macronutrients, micronutrients, and malnutrition, helping you understand their roles in maintaining health. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their understanding of nutrition.