Biochemistry Questions: Amino Acids, Porphyries, and Urea Cycle

Posted by on Mar 26, 2025 in Human Nutrition and Dietetics | 0 comments

  1. Proteins that may be absorbed by the intestine are:

    b. Maternal antibodies in newborns

  2. Sources of amino acids in the body include:

    1. Degradation of body protein
    2. Synthesis of nonessential amino acids
    3. Dietary proteins

  3. Enzymes Secreted by Organs

    Match the organs (a-d) with the enzymes (A-E) they secrete:

    1. Organs:
      1. Stomach: D
      2. Small intestine: E
      3. Liver: (No enzyme listed)
    2. Enzymes:
      1. Trypsin – A
      2. Carboxypeptidase A – B
      3. Elastase (No letter)
      4. Pepsin (No letter)
      5. Alanine aminopeptidase (No letter)

  4. Mark the WRONG sentence about the

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Lipids: Types, Functions, and Health Impact

Posted by on Mar 25, 2025 in Human Nutrition and Dietetics | 0 comments

Lipids: Essential Macronutrients

Lipids, including oils, cholesterol (CHO), fats, fatty acids, triglycerides, and phospholipids, are essential macronutrients. They form a major component of every living cell and are found in our food, originating from both animal and plant sources. The body can also synthesize them.

Fatty Acids: The Building Blocks of Lipids

Fatty Acids are the smallest components of lipids and serve as their main building blocks. They provide 9 calories of energy per gram. Fatty acids

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Pancreatic Islets: Insulin, Glucagon, and Somatostatin

Posted by on Mar 19, 2025 in Human Nutrition and Dietetics | 0 comments

Pancreatic Endocrine Islets

Pancreatic endocrine islets, or islets of Langerhans, constitute approximately 1% of the pancreatic mass. They are innervated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS), feature intercellular communication, and possess a fine vascular network. Key hormones produced include insulin (β cells), glucagon (α cells), and somatostatin (δ cells).

Insulin Synthesis

Insulin synthesis begins with the ribosomal transcription of pre-proinsulin from mRNA. In the endoplasmic reticulum, pre-

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Understanding Protein Structure, Function, and Classification

Posted by on Mar 17, 2025 in Human Nutrition and Dietetics | 0 comments

Protein Functions

  • Structural: All cellular and extracellular structures contain proteins.
  • Catalytic: Enzymes are proteins that accelerate a diverse range of (bio)chemical reactions.
  • Transport: Gases (hemoglobin, myoglobin); mineral cations (transferrin (Fe++)/ceruloplasmin (Cu++)); organic anions and lipids (retinol binding protein, transcortin, albumin).
  • Regulatory: Hormones (TSH, LH, FSH, GH, etc.); growth factors; cytokines.
  • Defense: Antibodies, lectins, complement, blood clotting factors.
  • Motor functions:
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Fiber’s Impact on Colorectal Cancer and Diabetes

Posted by on Mar 15, 2025 in Human Nutrition and Dietetics | 0 comments

Beneficial Effects of Fiber on Colorectal Cancer

Populations that consume more fiber have a lower incidence of colorectal cancers. Diets low in fat and high in fiber (cereals, fruits, and vegetables) reduce the risk of this type of cancer.

Fiber, Food, and Diabetes

Glycemic Index (GI): A measure of the ability of foods to increase blood glucose levels after meals.

Daily Intake: Aim for an insoluble/soluble fiber ratio of 3:1.

  • Breakfast: Cereal, fruit, jam.
  • Lunch and Dinner: Increase vegetable intake with
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Essential Minerals: Functions, Sources, and Health Impact

Posted by on Mar 13, 2025 in Human Nutrition and Dietetics | 0 comments

Essential Minerals: Functions, Sources, and Health

Calcium

Functions: Provides consistency in bones and teeth, regulates hormone release, and is involved in blood clotting. Osteoporosis is the process of bone decalcification. Recommendations: Engage in regular physical activity, consume a diet rich in manganese and vitamins B and D, control the intake of sugar and unsaturated fats, and moderate caffeine and alcohol consumption. Sources: Primarily dairy products, and in smaller amounts, fish, eggs,

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