Molecular Nutrition

Molecular Nutrition
Workshop
1 What defines alcohols, carboxyls, amines, amides, ketones and aldehydes? They are all functional groups.
2 What makes glucose chemically reactive? Because it has a reactive part, called aldehyde which makes it a reducing sugar.
3 Give examples of keto groups in biochemistry? Acetone, methylethyl ketone, and cyclohexanone
4 Why do keto groups readily undergo decarboxylation? Decarboxylation of a keto group results in the formation of an enol intermediate, which is created by a proton transfer from the carboxylic acid group to the ketone's carbonyl oxygen atom.
5 Give examples of where cells compartmentalize their chemistry? Polarized epithelial cells have separate apical and basolateral membranes, may be used to form a secretory surface for a variety of glands, such as the salivary glands. Also eukaryotic cells compartmentalize distinct metabolic functions into membrane-bound organelles, which are found throughout the cell.
Vitamins & Minerals
6 What is a vitamin? An organic molecule that is a necessary micronutrient that an organism need in little amounts for its physiology to operate properly.
7 What are co-enzymes? are nonprotein chemical compounds that bind to the apoenzyme to generate the active enzyme
8 What are co-factors? a substance (other than the substrate) whose presence is essential for the activity of an enzyme.
9 What is the role of vitamins in metabolism? They are necessary as functional components of enzymes that are involved in the release and storage of energy.
10 What are the roles of minerals in metabolism? are necessary for cells, tissues, and organs to operate properly. Some are found in many proteins and enzymes throughout the body, and aid in the production of proteins from amino acids as well as glucose metabolism.
What diseases are caused by lack of certain vitamins? Scurvy, Rickets, Beriberi, Hypocalcemia, Osteomalacia, Vitamin K Deficiency, Pellagra, Xerophthalmia, Iron Deficiency, and protein energy malnutrition.
Are there mutations/polymorphisms that mimic/cause vitamin deficiency? Yes, some mutations and gene variation may cause vitamin deficiency.
Are there mutations/polymorphisms that cause mineral deficiency/over-sufficiency? Yes, some mutations and gene variation may cause mineral deficiency.
What is intrinsic factor? A glycoprotein secreted by the stomach which enables the body to absorb vitamin B12.
Lipids
What are the key sources of lipids in our diet? Avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty seafood are some of the greatest sources of lipids.
Why do we need cholesterol? Cholesterol is used in making hormones and building cells.
Can we degrade cholesterol? NO. we cannot degrade choresterol
How do we regulate cholesterol levels? By eating healthy fats. Also, the body regulates the amount of cholesterol in the blood by controlling its production of cholesterol.
What are lipoproteins? any of a group of soluble proteins that bind to fat or other lipids in the blood plasma and transport them.
How does lipid metabolism link to inflammation? CD14 acts as a co-factor for the Toll-like receptor TLR4 to activate inflammatory responses to lipid metabolism
Discuss ho...