The Function of

Digestion
MACROMOLECULES, ENZYMES, VITAMINS AND
MINERALS, AND WATER
Macromolecules
CARBOHYDRATES, LIPIDS, PROTEINS AND
NUCLEIC ACIDS
Macromolecules

 Large, organic molecules – also known as

nutrients
 Contain many carbon atoms and functional
groups
 4 major groups – carbohydrates, lipids, proteins,
and nucleic acids
 Also known as essential nutrients
(except for nucleic acids) – a
nutrient that cannot be made
by the body
Carbohydrates

 Structure – carbon, hydrogen and oxygen

 Carbo = carbon, hydrate = water
 Functions:
 Quick energy
 To make structures – i.e. cell membranes
 3 main groups of carbohydrates –
monosaccharide, disaccharides, and
polysaccharides
Carbohydrates

 Monosaccharides
 Simple sugars with 3 to 7 carbon atoms
 Examples – glucose and fructose
Carbohydrates

 Disaccharides
 Double sugars – made up of 2 simple sugars
 Examples – sucrose, lactose, and maltose
Carbohydrates

 Polysaccharides
 Complex carbohydrates – consist of many linked
simple sugars
 Examples – starch, cellulose, and glycogen
Lipids

 Structure:
 a molecule of glycerol (an alcohol)
 3 carbon atoms
 A fatty acid chain attached to each carbon atom
Lipids

 Insoluble in water
 Functions:
 Energy-storage
 Cushion and insulate internal organs
 Provide materials for cell membranes –
phospholipids
 Examples – fats and oils
Proteins

 Structure – amino acids joined together by

peptide bonds
 Functions:
 Provide structure and support for blood cells,
body tissues and muscles
 Aid in muscle movements
 Catalysts
 Provide immunity
 Transportation of ions in cell membranes
 Examples – insulin, hemoglobin, enzymes,
antibodies
Nucleic Acids

 Two types – ribonucleic acid (RNA) and

deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
 Functions:
 Contain genetic information
 Direct growth of an organism
Enzymes
Enzymes

 Protein molecules that act as catalysts in

hydrolysis
 Hydrolysis – a chemical reaction that uses a water
molecule to break apart macromolecules into
smaller molecules
 Are secreted by cells in the digestive tract
Enzymes

Type of Macromolecul Product of Example of

Enzyme es Breakdown Enzyme
Carbohydrase Carbohydrates Simple Sugars Amylase
Lipase Lipid Glycerol and Pancreatic
fatty acids Lipase
Protease Protein Amino Acids Pepsin
Nuclease Nucleic Acid Nucleotides Pancreatic
nuclease
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and Minerals

 Inorganic and organic substances

 Functions:
 Enable chemical reactions
 Aid in tissue development, growth and immunity
Vitamins – Examples

 A (Carotene)
 Functions – good vision, and healthy skin and
bones
 Example – carrots, sweet potato
 C (Ascorbic Acid)
 Functions – healthy bones, teeth, gums, and blood
vessels, and boost immune system
 Example – oranges
 D
 Functions – absorbing calcium and forming bone
 Example – Fish
Minerals – Examples

 Calcium
 Functions – forming bone, conducting nerve
signals, contracting muscle, and clotting blood
 Example – dairy products
 Iron
 Functions – producing hemoglobin
 Example – red meat
 Potassium
 Functions – conducting nerve signals, contracting
muscle
 Example – bananas and grains
Water
Water

 Main roles:
 Transporting dissolved nutrients into cells
 Flushing toxins from cells
 Lubricating tissues and joints
 Forming essential body fluids
 Regulating body temperature
 Eliminating waste materials
 Vital for maintaining the body’s fluid balance
Homework

 Page 410 – #1, 2, 7, 9, 11, 12