Chemistry of Life

Chemistry of Life

• living organisms are made up of many different kinds of molecules
• these molecules include small ones such as water and salt
• these also include large ones such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and DNA
• CHNOPS are the main elements in each of these molecule

Carbohydrates

• carbo’s are the main energy source in the human body
• sources: bread, cereal, pasta (base of food pyramid)

• Carbo’s come in three forms

1. Sugar - creates “ready to use” energy

2. Starch - stored sugar

3. Fiber - scrapes your insides clean

Proteins

• proteins perform important functions such as transporting nutrients, building tissue, regulating hormones, and fighting disease
• sources: meat and cheese (middle of food pyramid)

• all proteins are made from 20 amino acids
• humans require 9 amino acids

Fats

• fats store energy in the human body
• Sources: butter and oil (top of food pyramid)

• “good” fats are unsaturated
• “bad” fats are saturated
• fats can change from good to bad when heated above 480°F

Human Diet

• daily intake of calories comes from carbohydrates, proteins and fats
• carbohydrates are the main source of calories for most humans in the world
• protein and fats are the main source of calories for most Americans

Calories

• females should consume 2,000 calories per day
• males should consume 2,700 calories per day
• weight gain is from more calories consumed than burned
• weight loss requires burning more calories than consumed