Cell Chemistry

Carbohydrates

Substances containing carbon, hydrogen, and
oxygen

Can be converted to other types of molecules
which form part of the cell or carry out
physiological functions

Excess carbohydrates and fats are converted to
glycogen and are stored in the liver and
adipose tissues respectively

Monosaccharides
− Glucose: blood sugar

Dissacharides
− Lactose: found in milk
− Lactose intolerance
− Maltose: found in fruit juices and grains

Polysaccharides
− Starch: present in plants
− Cellulose: can't be digested by our body
 Proteins


Contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen

Core materials that hold the various cells together

Two classifications of amino acids
− Non-essential amino acids
− Essential amino acids
 Lipids

Fats
− Saturated and can cause cardiovascular diseases
− Converted into cholesterol by the liver
− Plants has unsaturated fats

Phospholipids
− Part of cell membrane

Steroids
− Testosterone, estrogen, cortisol
 Vitamins

an organic compound required as a nutrient in
tiny amounts by an organism
 Water-soluble

dissolve easily in water,and are readily excreted
from the body, to the degree that urinary output
is a strong predictor of vitamin consumption.

Because they are not readily stored, consistent
daily intake is important

Many types of water-soluble vitamins are
synthesized by bacteria
 Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine)

Coenzyme used in removing Carbon dioxide
from organic compounds

Sources: legumes, peanuts, whole grains

Deficiency can cause Beri-beri
 Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)

Necessary for red blood cell formation, anti-
body production, cell respiration, and growth

alleviates eye fatigue, and is important in the
prevention of cataracts

promotes the oxygenation of the skin, hair, and
nails; eliminates dandruff

reduces the occurrence of migraine headaches

Sources: Dairy products, meats, enriched
grains, vegetables
 Vitamin B-3 (Niacin)

Dilates blood vessels, thus increasing
circulation and reducing high blood pressure

significantly lowers blood cholesterol and
triglycerides

improves resistance to stress

helps prevent depression, mental illness, and
migraine headaches

helps eliminate canker sores and bad breath

gives you healthier looking skin and stimulates
the sex drive

Sources: Nuts, meats, grains

Deficiency: Pellagra, skin and gastrointestinal
lesions, nervous disorders

Excess: flushing of face and hands and liver
damage
 Vitamin B-5 (Pathonthenic acid)

considered the "Anti-Stress" Vitamin because of
its important role in the functioning of the
adrenal glands, which produce hormones that
help our bodies respond to stress

helpful in detoxifying harmful chemicals such as
herbicides and insecticides

fights infections by building antibodies

Sources: meats, dairy products, whole grain

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May lead to painful
& burning feet, skin abnormalities, retarded
growth, dizzy spells, digestive disturbances,
vomiting, restlessness, stomach stress, muscle
cramps.
 Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)

aids in maintaining the central nervous system
and normal brain function

reduces muscle spasms, leg cramps and
stiffness of the hands

relieves nausea and migraines, lowers
cholesterol; improves vision, and aids in the
prevention of PMS

aids in cancer immunity and in the prevention of
atherosclerosis

destroyed by alcoholic beverages

Sources: Whole grains, vegetables

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in
nervousness, insomnia, skin eruptions, loss of
muscular control, anemia, mouth disorders,
muscular weakness, dermatitis, arm & leg
cramps, loss of hair, slow learning, and water
retention.
 Vitamin B-9 (Folic Acid)

Protects against birth defects by helping
regulate embryonic and fetal nerve cell
formation

protects against intestinal parasites and food
poisoning

promotes healthier looking skin, is considered a
brain food

Sources: green vegetables, oranges, nuts,
legumes, whole grains

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in
gastrointestinal disorders, anemia, Vitamin B-12
deficiency, pre-mature gray hair.
 Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamine)

Helps in the formation of red blood cells, thus
helping prevent anemia

promotes a healthy immune system, and nerve
function

required for the proper digestion of foods, the
synthesis of protein, and the metabolism of
carbohydrates and fat

improves concentration, memory, and balance

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: chronic fatigue,
bone loss, constipation, depression, digestive
disorders, dizziness, drowsiness, enlargement
of the liver, eye disorders, hallucinations,
headaches, labored breathing, memory loss,
moodiness, nervousness, pernicious anemia,
ringing in the ears, binge eating, and spinal cord
degeneration.

Sources: meats, eggs, dairy products
 Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

A major and very potent anti-oxidant

plays a primary role in the formation of collagen,
which is important for the growth and repair of
body tissue cells, gums, blood vessels, bones
and teeth

protects against infection, and enhances the
immune system

protects against abnormal blood clotting and
bruising, and may reduce the risk of cataracts

Sources: Fruits and vegetables, especially
citrus fruits, brocolli, cabbage, tomatoes, green
peppers

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May lead to soft &
bleeding gums, swollen or painful joints, slow-
healing wounds & fractures, bruising,
nosebleeds, tooth decay, loss of appetite,
muscular weakness, skin hemorrhages,
capillary weakness, anemia, impaired digestion.
 Fat-soluble

absorbed through the intestinal tract with the
help of lipids (fats)
 Vitamin A (Beta Carotene)

Component of visual pigments

Needed for maintenance of epithelial tissues

Sources: Dark green and orange vegetables
and fruits, dairy products

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in night
blindness; increased susceptibility to infections;
rough, dry, scaly skin; loss of smell & appetite;
frequents fatigue; lack of tearing; defective
teeth & gums' retarded growth.
 Vitamin D

Aids in absorption and use of calcium and
phosphorus

Promotes bone growth

Sources: Dairy products, egg yolk, also made in
human skin in presence of sunlight

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May lead to rickets,
tooth decay, softening of bones, improper
healing of fractures, lack of vigor, muscular
weakness, inadequate absorption of calcium,
retention of phosphorous in the kidneys.
 Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Antioxidant

Prevents damage to lipids of cell membranes

slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease

extremely important in the prevention of cancer
and cardiovascular disease, and is useful in
treating premenstrual syndrome and fibrocystic
disease of the breast

Sources: Vegetable oils, nuts,seeds
 Vitamin K

Important in blood clotting

normally produced by bacteria in the Large
Intestine

Studies have proved that supplemental vitamin
K promotes osteotrophic processes and slows
osteoclastic processes via calcium bonding

Sources: green vegetables
 Assignment

List the Important inorganic components of the
body and list the deficiency symptoms of each.
(Write on a ½ crosswise yellow paper).