Food / Chemistry of Life

Nutrients are chemical substances contained in food, used by organisms to maintain metabolism and continuity of life.

• To maintain metabolism.
• To maintain continuity of life.

• Provide energy
• Growth and Repair of cells.
• Aid metabolism
• Aid continuity of life (reproduction).

• Carbon C
• Hydrogen H
• Oxygen O
• Nitrogen N
• Phosphorus P
• Sulphur S

• Sodium NA
• Magnesium MG
• Chlorine CL
• Potassium K
• Calcium CA

• Iron FE
• Copper CU
• Zinc ZN

A biomolecule is a chemical of 2 or more atoms made by a living organism. Formed by joining the elements present in food together in different ratios.

A biomolecule is formed by joining the elements present in food together in different ratios.

• Carbohydrates
• Proteins
• Lipids - fats and oils
• Vitamins

Metabolism is the sum of all the chemical reactions occurring in the body. Metabolic reactions are divided into 2 major classes: Anabolic and Catabolic.

• Anabolic
• Catabolic

Anabolism is the way energy is used to make large molecules from smaller ones using enzymes. (Eg. Small molecules CO2 and H2O made into larger ones = C6H12O6.

In anabolism, energy is absorbed.

• Photosynthesis - plant
• Protein synthesis - animal

Catabolism is where energy is released when larger molecules are broken down to smaller ones using enzymes. (Eg. Large molecules C6H12O6 are broken down to smaller ones CO2 and H2O ).

In Catabolism, energy is released.

Respiration

Catabolism is not the opposite of anabolism as pathways involved in each are different.