Nutrition & Biochemistry
Introduction:
Nutrition and biochemistry are fundamental to understanding human health, as they explain how our bodies process food and utilize nutrients for energy and growth. These sciences focus on the molecular and biochemical mechanisms that sustain life. Understanding key terms in this field enhances the comprehension of bodily functions and disease prevention. This knowledge is essential for improving health outcomes through diet, lifestyle, and medical interventions.
1.Absorption: The process by which nutrients from food are taken into the bloodstream through the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Acid-Base Balance: The regulation of the pH levels in the body, which is crucial for maintaining normal cell function.
3. Amino Acids: Organic compounds that combine to form proteins; they are the building blocks of proteins.
4.Anaerobic Metabolism: Energy production without oxygen, typically resulting in the production of lactic acid.
5.Antioxidants: Substances that help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals.
6. Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): The rate at which the body uses energy while at rest to maintain vital functions such as breathing and circulation.
7. Beta-Oxidation: The breakdown of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA, which is then used in energy production.
8. Bile: A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps emulsify fats for digestion and absorption.
9. Biochemical Pathway: A series of chemical reactions in the body that result in the conversion of substrates into products.
10. Biotin: A water-soluble B-vitamin involved in the metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids, and carbohydrates.
11. Calcium: A mineral important for bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
12. Carbohydrates: Organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which are the body’s primary energy source.
13. Catalyst: A substance that accelerates the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
14. Cholesterol: A lipid found in animal products and produced by the liver; essential for producing cell membranes and hormones.
15. Chromium: A trace mineral that enhances the action of insulin and is involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.
16. Coenzyme: A small molecule that assists enzymes in catalyzing reactions.
17. Cofactor: A non-protein chemical compound that is required for the biological activity of an enzyme.
18. Collagen: A structural protein found in connective tissues, skin, and bones.
19. Deamination: The removal of an amino group from an amino acid, usually in the liver, before the amino acid is used for energy.
20. Dehydration: A condition in which the body loses more water than it takes in, leading to an imbalance that affects normal bodily functions.
21. Digestion: The process by which food is broken down into simpler components to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
22. Disaccharides: Carbohydrates made up of two monosaccharide molecules, such as sucrose and lactose.
23. Electrolytes: Minerals in the body that carry an electric charge and are important for hydration, muscle function, and nerve transmission.
24. Endocrine System: The system of glands that produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate body functions.
25. Enzyme: A protein that accelerates the rate of a chemical reaction in the body.
26. Essential Fatty Acids: Fatty acids that the body cannot synthesize and must obtain from food, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
27. Essential Nutrients: Nutrients that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained from food, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids.
28. Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Vitamins (A, D, E, and K) that dissolve in fat and are stored in the body’s fat tissues and liver.
29. Fatty Acids: The building blocks of fats; they can be saturated, unsaturated, or trans fats.
30. Fiber: A type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest, aiding in digestion and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
31. Folic Acid: A B-vitamin that is important for DNA synthesis and cell division, particularly in pregnancy.
32. Glycogen: A form of stored carbohydrate in the liver and muscles, used for energy when blood glucose levels are low.
33. Glycolysis: The metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to produce energy in the form of ATP.
34. Glucagon: A hormone produced by the pancreas that increases blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to release glucose.
35. Glucose: A simple sugar and the primary source of energy for the body’s cells.
36. Glucolysis: The breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, which occurs in the cytoplasm of cells.
37. Glycemic Index: A scale that ranks carbohydrate-containing foods based on how quickly they raise blood glucose levels.
38. Glycogenolysis: The process of breaking down glycogen into glucose to be used for energy.
39. Hematopoiesis: The process of blood cell production, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
40. Hemoglobin: The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
41. Hormone: A chemical substance that acts as a messenger to regulate physiological processes.
42. Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels by facilitating glucose uptake into cells.
43. Iodine: A trace mineral necessary for the production of thyroid hormones.
44. Iron: A mineral essential for the production of hemoglobin and the transport of oxygen in the blood.
45. Isoenzymes: Different forms of the same enzyme that catalyze the same reaction but differ in structure.
46. Ketone Bodies: Compounds produced during the breakdown of fatty acids, used as an alternative energy source when glucose is scarce.
47. Krebs Cycle: A series of chemical reactions that produce ATP and other high-energy molecules from glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids.
48. Lactase: An enzyme that breaks down lactose, a sugar found in dairy products.
49. Lactose Intolerance: The inability to digest lactose due to insufficient lactase enzyme production.
50. Lipase: An enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of lipids (fats) into fatty acids and glycerol.
51. Lipids: A group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water and include fats, oils, and cholesterol.
52. Lipoproteins: Complexes of lipids and proteins that transport lipids in the bloodstream.
53. Magnesium: A mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle function and bone health.
54. Malnutrition: A condition resulting from an imbalanced intake of nutrients, leading to deficiencies or excesses.
55. Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in the body to maintain life, including both anabolic (building) and catabolic (breaking down) processes.
56. Minerals: Inorganic nutrients required by the body for various physiological functions, such as bone health, nerve function, and hydration.
57. Monosaccharides: The simplest form of carbohydrates, including glucose, fructose, and galactose.
58. NADH: A coenzyme involved in redox reactions, important for energy production in the form of ATP.
59. Nucleic Acids: Biomolecules (DNA and RNA) that store and transmit genetic information.
60. Nutrient Density: The amount of nutrients a food provides relative to its calorie content.
61. Nutrient Deficiency: A condition caused by insufficient intake of one or more essential nutrients.
62. Obesity: A condition characterized by excessive body fat, which can lead to health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
63. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential fatty acids found in fatty fish and certain plant oils that have anti-inflammatory properties.
64. Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Essential fatty acids found in plant oils that are important for growth and development.
65. Oxidative Stress: A condition where there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, leading to cell damage.
66. Peptide Bond: The bond that links amino acids together to form proteins.
67. Peristalsis: The wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.
68. Phospholipids: A type of lipid that makes up cell membranes and plays a role in cellular signaling.
69. Phytochemicals: Natural compounds found in plants that have beneficial effects on health.
70. Phytosterols: Plant-derived compounds that mimic cholesterol and may help lower cholesterol levels in the body.
71. Polyunsaturated Fat: A type of fat found in plant oils and fish, which contains multiple double bonds in its carbon chain.
72. Potassium: A mineral and electrolyte that is essential for nerve function, muscle contraction, and fluid balance.
73. Proteins: Large, complex molecules made up of amino acids that are essential for body structure, function, and regulation.
74. RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance): The daily intake level of a nutrient considered sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of most healthy individuals.
75. Recombinant DNA: Genetically engineered DNA formed by combining DNA from different sources.
76. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): A water-soluble vitamin important for energy production and cellular function.
77. Saturated Fat: A type of fat typically found in animal products and certain oils that is solid at room temperature and may raise cholesterol levels.
78. Sodium: An essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance and nerve function.
79. Steroids: A group of lipids that include hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol, which regulate many body functions.
80. Synthesis: The process of creating complex molecules from simpler ones, such as protein synthesis from amino acids.
81. Thiamine (Vitamin B1): A water-soluble vitamin important for energy metabolism and nerve function.
82. Thyroid Hormones: Hormones produced by the thyroid gland that regulate metabolism, energy production, and growth.
83. Trace Minerals: Minerals that are needed in small amounts by the body, including iron, zinc, and selenium.
84. Trans Fats: A type of unhealthy fat created during hydrogenation, which raises LDL cholesterol and lowers HDL cholesterol.
85. Triglycerides: A type of fat found in the blood, which is used for energy storage.
86. Tryptophan: An essential amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation.
87. Urea Cycle: A biochemical pathway that converts ammonia, a toxic byproduct of protein metabolism, into urea for excretion.
88. Vitamins: Organic compounds required in small amounts to maintain normal body function.
89. Water-Soluble Vitamins: Vitamins (such as vitamin C and the B-vitamins) that dissolve in water and are not stored in the body.
90. Zinc: A mineral involved in numerous aspects of metabolism, including immune function and protein synthesis.
Here are additional terms related to Nutrition and Biochemistry:
91. Acetyl-CoA: A molecule that plays a central role in metabolism, linking carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to the citric acid cycle for energy production.
92. Adipocytes: Cells that store fat in the body and are involved in energy storage and release.
93. Aerobic Metabolism: Energy production that requires oxygen, resulting in the production of ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.
94. Alkalosis: A condition where the body fluids have excess base (alkali), increasing the pH of the blood.
95. Amino Acid Pool: A collection of amino acids in the body that are available for protein synthesis or energy production.
96. Angiotensin: A hormone involved in the regulation of blood pressure, stimulating vasoconstriction and increasing blood volume.
97. Anabolism: The building of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy input.
98. Anorexia Nervosa: An eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, often leading to self-starvation.
99. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that helps regulate water balance by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys.
100. Antigen: A substance that triggers an immune response, typically by producing antibodies.
101. Atherosclerosis: The buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls, leading to narrowed arteries and increased risk of heart disease.
102. ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): The primary energy carrier in cells, used in numerous biochemical processes.
103. Basal Energy Expenditure (BEE): The amount of energy expended by the body at rest to maintain essential functions, such as breathing and circulation.
104. Beta-Carotene: A precursor to vitamin A, found in plant-based foods, which has antioxidant properties.
105. Bile Salts: Compounds derived from bile that aid in the emulsification of fats during digestion.
106. Bioavailability: The proportion of a nutrient or drug that enters the bloodstream when it is consumed and is made available to the body.
107. Biosynthesis: The process by which living organisms produce complex molecules from simpler substances.
108. Brown Adipose Tissue: A type of fat tissue that generates heat by burning calories, helping to maintain body temperature.
109. Buoyancy: The ability of a substance to float in a fluid, affected by its density and volume.
110. Calorimetry: The measurement of heat energy released or absorbed during a chemical reaction, commonly used in determining the energy content of foods.
111. Caloric Deficit: A condition where calorie expenditure exceeds calorie intake, leading to weight loss.
112. Caloric Surplus: A condition where calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure, leading to weight gain.
113. Calorimetry: The measurement of heat energy released or absorbed during a chemical reaction, commonly used in determining the energy content of foods.
114. CAMP (Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate): A second messenger involved in signal transduction, mediating the effects of hormones like epinephrine and glucagon.
115. Catabolism: The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.
116. Cellular Respiration: The process by which cells convert nutrients (mainly glucose) into ATP, using oxygen and producing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
117. Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten damages the small intestine lining.
118. Chylomicrons: Lipoproteins formed in the intestine that transport dietary lipids through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream.
119. Citrate: A compound formed in the citric acid cycle, playing a central role in energy production from glucose and fatty acids.
120. Clostridium Botulinum: A bacterium that produces botulinum toxin, which can cause foodborne botulism.
121. Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone): A compound that helps with energy production in cells and acts as an antioxidant.
122. Cortisol: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands, involved in the stress response, metabolism regulation, and immune function.
123. Craving: An intense desire for a specific food or substance, often related to nutritional deficiencies or emotional states.
124. Creatine: A compound that helps supply energy to muscles during short bursts of intense activity.
125. Cytochrome P450: A family of enzymes involved in the metabolism of drugs and other compounds in the liver.
126. Deficiency Diseases: Health conditions caused by the lack of essential nutrients, such as scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) or rickets (vitamin D deficiency).
127. Digestion: The mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into smaller molecules for absorption.
128. Dipeptide: A molecule consisting of two amino acids linked by a peptide bond.
129. Disaccharides: Carbohydrates composed of two monosaccharide molecules, such as sucrose (glucose + fructose) and lactose (glucose + galactose).
130. Duodenum: The first section of the small intestine, where the majority of digestion and nutrient absorption occurs.
131. Electrolyte Imbalance: A condition in which there is an abnormal concentration of electrolytes in the blood, leading to health complications.
132. Endoplasmic Reticulum: A network of membranes within the cell that plays a role in protein and lipid synthesis.
133. Enzyme Kinetics: The study of the rates at which enzyme-catalyzed reactions occur and the factors affecting them.
134. Enzymatic Activity: The ability of an enzyme to catalyze a specific biochemical reaction.
135. Enteric Nervous System: A complex system of nerves that governs the function of the gastrointestinal system.
136. Essential Amino Acids: Amino acids that the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained from food.
137. Fecal Transplant: A medical procedure involving the transfer of stool from a healthy donor into the gastrointestinal tract of a patient to restore a healthy microbiome.
138. Ferritin: A protein that stores iron in the body and releases it when needed.
139. Folate: A B-vitamin necessary for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and proper neural development.
140. Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract: The digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, and accessory organs like the liver and pancreas.
141. Glycogen Synthase: An enzyme involved in the synthesis of glycogen from glucose molecules.
142. Glucocorticoids: A group of steroid hormones involved in glucose metabolism, immune response regulation, and stress adaptation.
143. Glutamate: An amino acid that serves as a neurotransmitter in the brain and is involved in protein synthesis.
144. Gout: A type of arthritis caused by elevated uric acid levels in the blood, which crystallize in joints.
145. Hepatic Metabolism: The process by which the liver breaks down and transforms various substances, including drugs and toxins.
146. Hepatocytes: Liver cells responsible for metabolic functions such as detoxification, protein synthesis, and bile production.
147. Hydrolysis: A chemical reaction that involves the breaking down of a compound by adding water.
148. Hyperglycemia: Elevated blood glucose levels, often associated with diabetes.
149. Hyperlipidemia: Elevated levels of lipids (fats), such as cholesterol and triglycerides, in the blood.
150. Hypertension: High blood pressure, a condition that can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
151. Hypoglycemia: Low blood glucose levels, often resulting from excessive insulin or inadequate food intake.
152. Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that regulates many bodily functions, including hunger, thirst, temperature regulation, and hormone secretion.
153. Insulin Resistance: A condition in which cells in the body become less responsive to insulin, often leading to type 2 diabetes.
154. Ketoacidosis: A condition resulting from a buildup of ketones in the blood due to insufficient insulin, often seen in diabetes.
155. Krebs Cycle: A key metabolic pathway that generates energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.
156. Lactose: A disaccharide sugar found in milk, composed of glucose and galactose.
157. Leptin: A hormone produced by fat cells that helps regulate appetite and energy balance.
158. Lipolysis: The breakdown of fats into fatty acids and glycerol, releasing energy.
159. Lipid Bilayer: A fundamental structure of cell membranes made up of two layers of phospholipids.
160. Liver: An organ responsible for detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion.
161. Magnesium: A mineral that supports muscle and nerve function, regulates blood pressure, and plays a role in over 300 enzymatic reactions.
162. Metabolic Syndrome: A group of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and excess abdominal fat, that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
163. Mitochondria: Organelles in cells that are responsible for energy production via cellular respiration.
164. Monounsaturated Fat: A type of healthy fat found in foods like olive oil, avocados, and nuts, beneficial for heart health.
165. NADPH: A coenzyme used in anabolic reactions, such as fatty acid synthesis, and in protecting cells from oxidative damage.
166. Neuropeptides: Small protein-like molecules that act as neurotransmitters in the brain and influence various physiological processes.
167. Nutrient Timing: The strategy of consuming certain nutrients at specific times to optimize performance and recovery in athletic endeavors.
168. Oligosaccharides: Short chains of monosaccharides that can have prebiotic effects on gut health.
169. Peptidase: An enzyme that breaks down peptides into individual amino acids.
170. Phosphorylation: The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often used to activate or deactivate enzymes in metabolic pathways.
171. Plasma Membrane: The outer membrane of cells that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
172. Plasma Proteins: Proteins found in blood plasma, such as albumin and globulins, involved in transport and immune function.
173. Probiotics: Live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, particularly for digestive health.
174. Protein Denaturation: The process in which proteins lose their three-dimensional structure, often due to changes in temperature or pH.
175. Protein Synthesis: The process by which cells create proteins from amino acids, directed by mRNA in a process called translation.
176. Pyruvate: The product of glycolysis, which can be converted into acetyl-CoA for the Krebs cycle or into lactate under anaerobic conditions.
177. Ribosome: A cellular structure where protein synthesis occurs.
178. Saturated Fatty Acids: Fatty acids that contain no double bonds between carbon atoms, typically found in animal fats and solid at room temperature.
179. Sodium-Potassium Pump: A cellular mechanism that helps maintain the balance of sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane, important for nerve and muscle function.
180. Sterol: A type of lipid, such as cholesterol, that is involved in cell membrane structure and hormone production.
181. Sucralose: An artificial sweetener used in place of sugar, often in sugar-free foods and beverages.
182. Synthesis of Glucose: The formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors, such as lactate, pyruvate, or amino acids, in the liver.
183. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones.
184. Tissue Repair: The process by which cells regenerate and repair damaged tissues, often involving the activation of growth factors.
185. Transamination: The transfer of an amino group from one amino acid to a keto acid, forming a new amino acid.
186. Triglycerides: The most common type of fat in the body, composed of three fatty acids bound to a glycerol molecule.
187. Vasopressin: A hormone that regulates water retention in the kidneys and helps control blood pressure.
188. Vitamins A, D, E, and K: Fat-soluble vitamins that play roles in vision, bone health, antioxidant activity, and blood clotting, respectively.
189. Water-Soluble Fiber: A type of dietary fiber that dissolves in water and can help reduce cholesterol levels and stabilize blood sugar.
190. Zinc Deficiency: A condition caused by insufficient zinc intake, leading to growth retardation, immune dysfunction, and other health problems.
191. Zymogen: An inactive enzyme precursor that must undergo a biochemical change to become an active enzyme.
192. Xerophthalmia: A condition caused by vitamin A deficiency, leading to dry eyes and potential blindness.
193. Zeaxanthin: A carotenoid found in the retina that supports eye health and protects against macular degeneration.
194. Zinc Oxide: A compound used in supplements and fortification to prevent zinc deficiency.
195. Zymogens: Inactive precursors of enzymes that require biochemical changes to become active, like pepsinogen converting to pepsin.
196. Zoochemicals: Bioactive compounds found in animal-based foods, such as omega-3 fatty acids in fish.
197. Xanthophylls: A type of carotenoid with antioxidant properties, found in leafy greens and yellow vegetables.
198. Xerosis: Abnormal dryness of the skin or mucous membranes, often linked to nutrient deficiencies.
199. Yield Factor: The amount of energy produced per unit of substrate in metabolic reactions, such as ATP yield from glucose.
200. Yolk Nutrients: Nutrients found in egg yolks, including choline, lutein, and vitamin D, essential for brain and eye health.
Conclusion:
In summary, the study of nutrition and biochemistry provides crucial insights into how our bodies metabolize nutrients and maintain homeostasis. It underscores the importance of balanced nutrition for optimal health. By exploring these terms, we can better appreciate the complexity of human physiology and apply this knowledge to improve
health and prevent diseases. Continued research and education in these areas are key to advancing healthcare and nutrition.
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