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AS Biology - MolVar
AS Biology - Biological Molecules
| Class | Components | Chemical Element | Foods containing it | Role in the body / function | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proteins | Amino Acids | Nitrogen (N) Sulphur (S) Carbon (C) Oxygen (O) Hydrogen (H) | Meat, fish, eggs, milk | Control and catalyse: -growth -repair -local transport process | -Membrane proteins -Enzymes: ie. amylase (breaks down starch) |
| Carbohydrates | Monosaccharides | Carbon (C) Oxygen (O) Hydrogen (H) | -Sugar foods: sweets, cake, jam -Starch foods: bread, rice, pasta, flour | Provide cells with energy (short-term) | -Glucose, fructose -Starch, Cellulose |
| Lipids | -Glycerol -Fatty Acids | Carbon (C) Oxygen (O) Hydrogen (H) | Butter, cheese, nuts, crisps | -Provide cells with energy (long-term) -Major components of cell membranes -Insulation of body | -Phospholipids in cell membrane -Butyric acid (=butter fat) -Stearic acid -Cholesterol |
| Minerals | Ions | Potassium (K+) Sodium (Na+) Calcium (Ca2+) Iron (Fe3+) Magnesium (Mg2+) Chloride (Cl-) Fluoride (F-) and others | Milk, cheese, salt (NaCl) | various | -bones and teeth (calcium) -Red blood cells (iron) -Electric transmission in the brain (Na+, K+, Cl-) |
| Vitamins | Various | Various | Fruits Vegetables | Various | -Vitamin C (healthy skin, gums and bones) -Vitamin D (healthy teeth and bones, needed for absorption of calcium) |