UGEB2380: Micronutrients and Food Additives
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Questions and Answers

Which statement accurately describes minerals?

  • They can be synthesized by living organisms.
  • They must be absorbed from the soil by plants. (correct)
  • They are composed mainly of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
  • They are mostly stored in the body's soft tissues.

What is the primary role of calcium in the human body?

  • To enhance mental clarity.
  • To regulate blood sugar levels.
  • To aid in the digestion of proteins.
  • To form strong bones and teeth. (correct)

How much calcium is typically present in a 70 kg (154 lb) person?

  • Less than 0.5 kg
  • More than 3.0 kg
  • About 1.0 to 1.5 kg (correct)
  • About 2.0 to 2.5 kg

What is the relationship between phosphorus and calcium in the body?

<p>Phosphorus helps in packing calcium into bone structures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which two minerals primarily form the major ions of fluids in and around cells?

<p>Potassium and Sodium (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a poison?

<p>Any chemical substance that can cause illness or death when it enters the body by eating, drinking, inhalation, or injection. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a toxin?

<p>A poison of biological origin, produced by a plant or an animal. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does LD50 represent?

<p>The amount needed to kill 50% of a population of test animals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the LD50 for sodium cyanide is 15 mg/kg, what does that indicate compared to aspirin with an LD50 of 1.5 g/kg?

<p>Sodium cyanide is more lethal than aspirin. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do different methods of introducing nicotine affect its LD50 in mice?

<p>LD50 values vary significantly based on the method of introduction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

William Lowrance's definition of safety focuses on what aspect?

<p>The acceptability of risk and individual perspectives on safety. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about natural foods is correct?

<p>Natural foods can sometimes contain harmful substances. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a 1.5 g/kg LD50 for aspirin mean for a population of mice?

<p>50% of mice will die if provided 1.5 g of aspirin per kg of body weight. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a function of chlorine in the body?

<p>Regulates fluid balance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral is primarily known for its role in hardening bones and teeth?

<p>Magnesium (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main roles of food additives?

<p>Improve food safety (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a sequestrant like EDTA in food?

<p>To bond with metal ions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about humectants?

<p>They retain moisture (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do emulsifiers such as mono- and diglycerides function in food?

<p>Create stable mixtures of non-mixing liquids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is an example of a food additive that helps preserve freshness?

<p>Ascorbic acid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum dietary requirement amount for major minerals?

<p>Above 100 mg per day (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does magnesium play in regulating biochemical activities within cells?

<p>It helps control protein formation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes food additives?

<p>Compounds that enhance food quality and safety (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What essential substances do micronutrients support in the body?

<p>Cellular function and health (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following vitamins is fat-soluble?

<p>Vitamin D (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of Vitamin C?

<p>Boosts collagen formation and resistance to infections (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition can result from a deficiency in Vitamin A?

<p>Night blindness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary dietary source of Vitamin B12?

<p>Dairy products (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What health benefit is associated with Vitamin B6?

<p>Lowering homocysteine levels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin plays a crucial role in the formation of collagen strands?

<p>Vitamin C (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of excessive Vitamin A intake?

<p>Skin discoloration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can the body synthesize Vitamin D?

<p>Through sunlight exposure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin is required for the metabolism of fatty acids?

<p>Vitamin B7 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Vitamin D in the body?

<p>Promotes calcium absorption (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are vitamins divided into water-soluble and fat-soluble categories?

<p>Based on their absorption and storage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates major minerals from other minerals in terms of dietary requirement?

<p>Required in the diet in amounts greater than 100 mg per day (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much of the body's calcium is typically found in bones and teeth?

<p>99% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of phosphorus in relation to calcium?

<p>To help pack calcium into the lattices of bones and teeth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following minerals primarily functions as major ions in fluids surrounding cells?

<p>Potassium (K+) and Sodium (Na+) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about minerals is correct?

<p>They consist of atoms or ions of individual elements. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a poison and a toxin?

<p>Toxin is always produced by living organisms, while poison can come from any source. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of LD50, what does a value of 1.5 g/kg for aspirin indicate?

<p>Half of a population would die if given 1.5 g of aspirin per kg. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of magnesium in the human body?

<p>Important for the formation of proteins and regulates biochemical activities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the LD50 of sodium cyanide is 15 mg/kg, how does it compare to the LD50 of aspirin?

<p>Sodium cyanide is 100 times more lethal than aspirin. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of safety primarily depend on according to William Lowrance?

<p>It involves the acceptability of risk which varies by individual and agency. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function does chlorine serve in the body?

<p>Balances electrical charges of the body's cations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do food additives improve the quality of foods?

<p>Through enhancing taste, appearance, and preserving freshness. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the method of introduction on the LD50 of nicotine in mice?

<p>Different methods significantly change the lethality of nicotine. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do individuals show varied responses to identical poisons or toxins?

<p>Genetic and physiological differences among individuals can influence responses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of humectants in food products?

<p>To attract or retain moisture. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded about caffeine in coffee based on the content provided?

<p>Caffeine can be considered a poison if consumed in significant amounts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic allows emulsifiers like mono- and diglycerides to stabilize mixtures?

<p>They possess both polar and non-polar groups. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of major minerals?

<p>Minerals required in the diet in amounts greater than 100 mg per day. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT typically considered when determining the safety of a substance?

<p>The popularity of the substance among consumers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does EDTA function as a sequestrant in food?

<p>It wraps around and bonds to metal ions to prevent oxidation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the presence of propylene glycol have on coconut flakes?

<p>Helps retain moisture through hydrogen bonding. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of food additives?

<p>Alter genetic content of food. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the major minerals in the diet?

<p>They occur in significant amounts within the body. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines micronutrients in the context of nutrition?

<p>Dietary substances needed in trace amounts for proper health (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key function of Vitamin C?

<p>Collagen formation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin is primarily responsible for maintaining healthy vision in dim light?

<p>Vitamin A (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of chronic excess intake of Vitamin A?

<p>Toxic effects on the body (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following dietary sources is rich in Vitamin B9?

<p>Broccoli (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is Vitamin D synthesized in the body?

<p>By light activating skin compounds (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of vitamins are predominantly water-soluble?

<p>Vitamin C and B vitamins (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of Vitamin B6 in the body?

<p>Lowering homocysteine levels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which food is particularly high in Vitamin B5?

<p>Avocado (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the specific term for the condition caused by Vitamin C deficiency?

<p>Scurvy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin contributes to the metabolism of fatty acids?

<p>Vitamin B7 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Excess intake of which vitamin can temporarily change skin color by imparting a yellow hue?

<p>Beta-carotene (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin serves a vital function in blood cell formation?

<p>Vitamin B9 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does Vitamin E primarily serve in the body?

<p>Antioxidant function (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are minerals?

Minerals are essential chemical elements found in our foods, except for carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. They are different from vitamins because they consist of individual atoms or ions and are absorbed from the soil by plants, then by animals.

What are major minerals?

Major minerals are required in relatively large amounts: over 100 milligrams per day or present in the body at over 0.01% of body mass.

Calcium's role

Calcium is major mineral, comprising around 1.5-2.0% of our body weight, mostly in bones and teeth. We need it for strong bones, teeth, and nerve function.

What's Phosphorus for?

Phosphorus is another major mineral, playing a crucial role in bone and teeth formation alongside calcium. It helps pack calcium tightly into the structure of our bones and teeth.

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Potassium and Sodium role

Potassium (K+) and Sodium (Na+) are major electrolytes that help maintain the balance of fluids inside and outside cells, crucial for nerve and muscle function.

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Poison

Any substance that can cause illness or death when entering the body through eating, drinking, inhaling, or injection.

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Toxin

A poison produced naturally by a plant or animal, like venom from a snake.

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LD50

The amount of a substance that kills 50% of a test population within a given time.

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What does LD50 measure?

LD50 measures the virulence of a poison or toxin. It is the amount needed to kill a living thing.

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Example of LD50

The LD50 for aspirin fed orally to mice and rats is 1.5 g/kg. This means that 1.5 g of aspirin per kg of body weight will kill half of the mice or rats.

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Comparing LD50

The LD50 for sodium cyanide (NaCN) is 15 mg/kg, while the LD50 for aspirin is 1.5 g/kg. This indicates that NaCN is 100 times more lethal than aspirin.

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Safety

The acceptability of risk. What we consider safe depends on individual, government, and agency perspectives.

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Natural Foods = Safe?

Not necessarily. Just because something is natural doesn't mean it's safe. Some natural substances can be toxic.

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What does pH regulate?

pH regulates the activity of enzymes within cells and maintains proper fluid levels by managing hydrogen ion distribution.

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What is Chlorine's role?

Chlorine regulates fluid balance, forms hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and balances electrical charges in the body.

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What are Magnesium's roles?

Magnesium contributes to bone and tooth health, regulates biochemical activities within cells, helps protein formation, and transmits electrical signals.

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What are Food Additives?

Food additives are substances intentionally added to food to improve its quality, appearance, nutrition, or preservation.

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What is a Sequestrant?

Sequestrants bind to metal ions in food to prevent oxidation and rancidity, preserving food quality.

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What is EDTA?

EDTA is a sequestrant that prevents metal ions from causing oxidation and preserves food quality.

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What is a Humectant?

Humectants attract and retain moisture in food, preventing dryness.

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What are Emulsifiers?

Emulsifiers combine polar and non-polar groups, allowing two immiscible liquids to form a stable mixture.

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Why are Emulsifiers important in peanut butter?

Emulsifiers prevent peanut solids and oils from separating, maintaining creamy consistency during storage.

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Micronutrients

Essential dietary substances required in small amounts for proper health. These include vitamins and minerals.

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Food Additives

Components added to food that don't provide energy or nutrients, but contribute to taste, texture, or stability.

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Water-soluble Vitamins

Vitamins that dissolve in water and are not stored in the body. These need to be replenished regularly through diet.

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Fat-soluble Vitamins

Vitamins that dissolve in fat and are stored in the body's fat cells.

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Vitamin B1, B2, B3

Water-soluble vitamins essential for cellular function, skin, hair, brain health, and nervous system support.

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Vitamin B5

Water-soluble vitamin that supports nervous system, hormones, improved cardiovascular health.

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Vitamin B6

Water-soluble vitamin that supports cardiovascular health by lowering homocysteine levels.

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Vitamin B7

Water-soluble vitamin essential for healthy bones, hair, and metabolism of fatty acids.

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Vitamin B9 and B12

Water-soluble vitamins vital for cell repair, blood cell formation, cardiovascular health, and immune system health.

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Vitamin C

Water-soluble vitamin essential for collagen formation, immune system health, and antioxidant protection.

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Ascorbic Acid

The chemical name for Vitamin C, crucial for collagen formation and preventing scurvy.

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Vitamin A

Fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, skin, and mucous membrane health.

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Retinol

The chemical form of Vitamin A, vital for vision and other essential functions.

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Vitamin D

Fat-soluble vitamin essential for calcium and phosphorus absorption, bone formation, and overall bone health.

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Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)

A form of Vitamin D produced in the skin by exposure to sunlight, important for healthy bones and calcium absorption.

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Minerals

Essential chemical elements found in food, excluding carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. They are absorbed by plants from the soil and then by animals. They are different from vitamins because they consist of individual atoms or ions.

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Major Minerals

Minerals required in large amounts, over 100mg per day or present in the body at over 0.01% of body mass.

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Phosphorus's Role

Essential for bone and tooth formation, working alongside calcium. It packs calcium tightly within bone and teeth.

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Potassium & Sodium's Role

Major electrolytes that regulate fluid balance inside and outside cells, crucial for nerve and muscle function.

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What is a poison?

Any substance that can cause illness or death when it enters the body by eating, drinking, inhaling, or injecting.

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What is a toxin?

A poison of biological origin, produced by a plant or animal.

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LD50 example

The LD50 for aspirin fed orally to mice and rats is 1.5 g/kg. This means that feeding orally to a large group of mice or rats at the level of 1.5 g of aspirin per kg of animals will kill half of the population.

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NaCN vs. Aspirin LD50

LD50 for sodium cyanide (NaCN) fed orally to mice and rats is 15 mg/kg. NaCN is 100x more lethal than Aspirin.

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Chlorine (Cl-) Role

Regulates fluid balance, forms hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and balances electrical charges in the body.

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Magnesium (Mg2+) Role

Plays various roles, including bone and tooth formation, regulating cellular activities, protein synthesis, and nerve signal transmission.

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Sequestrant Function

Bonds to metal ions in food to prevent oxidation and rancidity, thus preserving food quality.

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Humectant Function

Attracts and retains moisture in food, preventing dryness.

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Emulsifier Role in Peanut Butter

Prevents separation of peanut solids and oils, maintaining creamy consistency.

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Poisons in Natural Foods

Some natural foods contain toxic substances that can cause illness or death.

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What is a Vitamin?

Organic compounds found in foods, essential for various bodily functions. They are divided into water-soluble and fat-soluble.

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What are Water-Soluble Vitamins?

Vitamins that dissolve in water and need to be replenished regularly through diet as they're not stored in the body.

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What are Fat-Soluble Vitamins?

Vitamins that dissolve in fat and are stored in the body's fat cells. They need not be replenished as often as water-soluble vitamins.

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What does Calcium do?

A major mineral important for strong bones, teeth, and nerve function.

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What does Phosphorus do?

A major mineral that plays a crucial role alongside calcium in bone and teeth formation, helping pack calcium tightly into the structure of our bones and teeth.

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Study Notes

UGEB2380: The Chemistry of Life

  • Course title: The Chemistry of Life
  • Academic year: 2024-25
  • Instructor: Dr. Sam CK HAU (Department of Chemistry)

Micronutrients, Food Additives, and Food Safety

  • Micronutrients are components of foods, vital for bodily well-being, but do not provide energy directly. They include vitamins and minerals.
  • Micronutrients contribute to the taste, texture, or stability of foods. They may offer additional health benefits.
  • Food additives are intentionally added to foods to produce specific, beneficial results, regardless of legal status.
  • Functions of additives include improving or maintaining food quality (adding salt, sweeteners), enhancing food appearance (food coloring), increasing nutritional values, preserving freshness, and more. Examples of food additives include vitamin D added to milk.
  • Sequestrants (like EDTA) when added to food bind to metal ions, preventing them from catalyzing the oxidation of fats, helping prevent rancidity.
  • Humectants (like propylene glycol) help retain moisture.
  • Emulsifiers (like mono- and diglycerides) help keep liquids from separating and maintain a smooth texture. Emulsifiers help ingredients like peanut butter remain creamy.

Vitamins

  • Water-soluble vitamins:
    • Vitamins B1, B2, B3 (meat, whole grains): Vital for cellular function and support of skin, hair, brain health, nervous system, and cardiovascular health.
    • Vitamin B5 (avocado, broccoli): Supports cardiovascular health and the metabolism of fatty acids. Helps with healthy bones and hair.
    • Vitamin B6 (avocado, broccoli, salmon): Supports cardiovascular health.
    • Vitamin B7 (carrot, sweet potato): Helps with the metabolism of fatty acids and is vital for healthy bones and hair.
    • Vitamin B9 and B12 (avocado, cauliflower, carrots): Important for cell repair, maintenance, and blood cell formation, aiding in cardiovascular health.
    • Vitamin C (citrus fruits): Important for immune function, collagen formation, and antioxidant activity. This vitamin protects against scurvy.
  • Fat-soluble vitamin A:
    • Retinol: important for eye health, skin health, and mucous membranes. Deficiency can cause night blindness.
    • Accumulates in body fat, particularly in the liver.
    • Large amounts can be toxic.
    • Carrots contain beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A. Beta-carotene gives carrots their color.
  • Fat-soluble vitamin D:
    • Promotes calcium and phosphorus absorption for bone health.
    • The body can form Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) from 7-dehydrocholesterol through exposure to UV rays. This vitamin is formed in the body when skin is exposed to the sun.

Minerals

  • Include elements of foods, excluding carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Consists of atoms or ions of individual elements.
  • Absorbed by plants and then animals.
  • Cannot be created by living things but are absorbed from the earth.
  • Major Minerals:
    • Calcium: Essential for bone and teeth formation. Around 99% of it is in bones and teeth.
    • Phosphorus: Important for bone structure and the lattice structure that holds calcium firmly in place. It is often about half the amount of calcium in the body.
    • Potassium and Sodium: Important for regulating fluids in and around cells (intracellular and extracellular fluids). Regulate activities of enzymes, maintain proper fluid levels, and transmit nerve signals.
    • Chlorine: Important for regulating fluid balance and forming hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
    • Magnesium: Plays roles in bone and teeth health, regulating biochemical activities within cells, helping control protein formation and transmission of electrical signals.

Food Safety

  • A poison can be a naturally occurring component of food.
  • Toxins are poisons of biological origin produced by plants or animals. A toxin might enter the body by eating spoiled food, or by a snake or insect bite.
  • LD50: Measures the virulence of a poison; the amount of chemical needed to kill half of a group of animals. The LD50 level varies among animals due to varying reactions to the chemical.

Natural Foods

  • Natural foods generally contain fewer hazardous chemicals than processed foods.
  • Mangoes are a healthy and safe food that is not considered poisonous to the majority. However, some people have allergies.

Natural Toxins in Foods

  • Some plant compounds act as strong insect poisons.
  • Some plant chemicals are both toxins and carcinogens (for example, safrole). Safrole comes from the sassafras tree. Safrole is also found in smaller amounts in cocoa, black pepper, spices, and herbs.

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UGEB2380 The Chemistry of Life 2024-25 PDF

Description

Explore the essential role of micronutrients in our diet and their benefits for health. This quiz also covers the functions and types of food additives that enhance food quality and safety. Test your knowledge of how these components contribute to the chemistry of life.

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