Macronutrients and Micronutrients Overview

The basic building blocks of a molecule. They are the major components of food and are needed to provide the body with energy, growth and repair.

They are necessary for specific functions in the body, but are not needed in large quantities. They include vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

It is a simple sugar that serves as the primary energy source for the body. It is made up one carbon, two hydrogen and one oxygen atom in a 1:2:1 ratio. Its molecular formula is C6H12O6.

A process that involves the removal of a water molecule. It is a process that links molecules together. It is important for building larger molecules from smaller ones.

They are fats that are solid at room temperature. They are typically found in animal products.

They are fats that are liquid at room temperature. They contain one or more double bonds between the carbon atoms, which create kinks in the chain. They are commonly found in plant-based foods.

They are compounds that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from the diet. Without them, the body cannot make essential proteins needed for growth, repair, and various functions

They are compounds that can be synthesized by the human body. They are still important for building proteins, but the body can create them from other compounds.

The sum of all chemical reactions that take place within a living organism, including energy-requiring (anabolic) and energy-releasing (catabolic) processes.

Chemical reactions that build larger molecules from smaller ones, requiring energy.

Chemical reactions that break down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.

Catabolic reactions that occur in the absence of oxygen, providing a quick source of energy.

Catabolic reactions that occur in the presence of oxygen, producing more ATP than anaerobic catabolism.

Energy-rich organic compounds made of glycerol and three fatty acids.

Fatty acids with no double bonds in their carbon chain. They tend to be solid at room temperature and found in animal sources.

Fatty acids with one or more double bonds in their carbon chain. Usually liquid at room temperature and found in plant sources.

Carbohydrates provide 1760 kJ per 100g, lipids provide 4000 kJ per 100g, and proteins provide 1720 kJ per 100g.

Endurance athletes require a higher carbohydrate intake compared to non-athletes, leading to slightly increased protein and fat intake.

These are nutrients that provide the body with energy for maintaining bodily functions during rest and physical activity.

These are nutrients that facilitate energy transfer and tissue synthesis, required in smaller amounts than macronutrients.

A molecule with the chemical formula C6H12O6, containing one carbon atom, two hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom.

A simple sugar with a basic structure consisting of a ring of carbon atoms with attached hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

Monosaccharides (single sugars) combine to form disaccharides (two sugars) or polysaccharides (many sugars) through a condensation reaction.

A chemical reaction where two molecules combine to form a larger molecule with the removal of a water molecule.

The breakdown of fatty acids in the mitochondria to produce Acetyl CoA. It's a key process in energy production, especially during longer exercises.

A high-energy molecule that is crucial in providing energy for cellular processes. It's produced during the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

An energy system that uses glucose as fuel and produces ATP without oxygen. It's primarily used for intense, short-duration activities.

An energy system that uses glucose, fats, and proteins as fuel and produces ATP with the help of oxygen. It's used for long-duration, moderate-intensity activities.

The energy system that uses creatine phosphate as its fuel source, producing ATP quickly for short bursts of energy. It's ideal for super-intense, very short activities.

A polysaccharide (a type of carbohydrate) composed of many glucose units. It's the storage form of glucose in the body.

The process of breaking down glycogen into glucose. Think of it as emptying the glucose storage cupboard.

The process of breaking down stored lipids (fats) into glycerol and fatty acids.

A hormone secreted by the pancreas that promotes the uptake of glucose from the blood into cells. It's like the 'key' that unlocks cells to let glucose in.

A hormone secreted by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels. It's like the 'key' that unlocks the glucose storage cupboard.

The process by which cells break down organic compounds to release energy in the form of ATP.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a molecule that stores and releases chemical energy in cells. When ATP loses a phosphate group, it becomes adenosine diphosphate (ADP), releasing energy. The energy from creatine phosphate or other sources can add a phosphate group back to ADP, converting it back to ATP.

ATP is essential for muscle contraction. When ATP breaks down into ADP and phosphate, it releases energy that powers the movement of muscle proteins, allowing them to contract.

The ATP-PC system is an anaerobic energy system that rapidly replenishes ATP using creatine phosphate. This system is used for short bursts of intense activity.

Creatine phosphate, a high-energy molecule, is broken down, releasing energy and a phosphate group. This energy is used to convert ADP back to ATP. The phosphate group from creatine phosphate joins ADP to form ATP.

The lactic acid system is an anaerobic pathway that uses glucose to generate ATP. This system is used for moderately intense activity lasting longer than a few seconds.

Glucose is broken down through glycolysis, producing pyruvate and releasing energy in the form of 2 ATP molecules. In the absence of oxygen, pyruvate is converted to lactic acid. Lactic acid build-up contributes to muscle fatigue.

The aerobic system is a long-term energy system that uses oxygen to break down glucose, fats, and protein to generate ATP. This system is used for endurance activities.