Cellulose cannot be digested by humans because we lack the enzyme to break down its beta linkages, so it passes through the digestive system unchanged. Carbohydrates are broken down by enzymes in the mouth and pancreas into glucose which enters the bloodstream. Starch contains alpha linkages and can be digested, while cellulose contains beta linkages and cannot be digested by humans. Fats and oils are insoluble in water due to their nonpolar hydrocarbon chains. Triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids store energy, make cell membranes, and produce hormones in the body. Enzymes act as catalysts, are sensitive to temperature, and have an optimum pH level.
Cellulose cannot be digested by humans because we lack the enzyme to break down its beta linkages, so it passes through the digestive system unchanged. Carbohydrates are broken down by enzymes in the mouth and pancreas into glucose which enters the bloodstream. Starch contains alpha linkages and can be digested, while cellulose contains beta linkages and cannot be digested by humans. Fats and oils are insoluble in water due to their nonpolar hydrocarbon chains. Triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids store energy, make cell membranes, and produce hormones in the body. Enzymes act as catalysts, are sensitive to temperature, and have an optimum pH level.
Cellulose cannot be digested by humans because we lack the enzyme to break down its beta linkages, so it passes through the digestive system unchanged. Carbohydrates are broken down by enzymes in the mouth and pancreas into glucose which enters the bloodstream. Starch contains alpha linkages and can be digested, while cellulose contains beta linkages and cannot be digested by humans. Fats and oils are insoluble in water due to their nonpolar hydrocarbon chains. Triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids store energy, make cell membranes, and produce hormones in the body. Enzymes act as catalysts, are sensitive to temperature, and have an optimum pH level.
Cellulose cannot be digested by humans because we lack the enzyme to break down its beta linkages, so it passes through the digestive system unchanged. Carbohydrates are broken down by enzymes in the mouth and pancreas into glucose which enters the bloodstream. Starch contains alpha linkages and can be digested, while cellulose contains beta linkages and cannot be digested by humans. Fats and oils are insoluble in water due to their nonpolar hydrocarbon chains. Triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids store energy, make cell membranes, and produce hormones in the body. Enzymes act as catalysts, are sensitive to temperature, and have an optimum pH level.
Cellulose is a polymer made up of glucose: Explain why humans cannot utilize
cellulose as a nutrient source? - Humans cannot utilize cellulose as a nutrient source because our body lacks the specific enzyme for the hydrolysis of the beta acetal linkages of cellulose. This is why cellulose is referred to as an insoluble fiber. Since there are no enzymes to break it down, it leaves your digestive system unchanged. 2. How can carbohydrates be broken down into their components? - Carbohydrates are broken down in your digestive tract by enzymes in saliva and the pancreas. These enter the bloodstream and cause glucose levels to rise, The pancreas releases insulin to help cells absorb glucose. The excess is stored as glycogen. 3. Compare and contrast starch and cellulose, both of which are plant polysaccharides. - Starch is made up of two different types of alpha-glucose and are joined by alpha linkages. They take form as amylose and amylopectin and can be found in corn, potatoes, and rice. This makes them highly digestible and ideal for human consumption. Their main function for plants is to store energy. - Cellulose, on the other hand, is made up of one type of beta-glucose and joined by beta linkages. They take their form as ignin, hemicellulose, and pure cellulose. They are used for the structural support of plants which is why they can be utilized and found in paper and cotton. Humans, however, cannot digest cellulose because we lack the azyme needed to break down its linkages. 4. Why are fats and oils insoluble in water? - Fatty acids, like fats and oils, have chains of hydrocarbons that are hydrophobic or “water-fearing”. These chains form from nonpolar covalent bonds. Water’s polar covalent bonds can only completely dissolve other polar bonds. 5. List the important functions of triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids. - Triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids are also known as “lipids”. These help store energy, make cell membranes, and produce hormones.Triglycerides are used by humans and animals to store fat. Phospholipids make up the cell membrane in most living things. Steroids are often in the form of hormones such as cortisone. Other steroids also make up cell membranes. For instance, cholesterol. 6. List three properties of enzymes - They are catalysts, which means they speed up the process of a chemical reaction without being changed in the process. - They are sensitive to temperature, especially heat. This is why they are described as “thermo-labile”. - They are also specific about their pH requirement. The correct pH level for a specific enzyme is called “Optimum pH”. Sources: - https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Human_Biology/Book%3A_Human_Biology_(Waki m_and_Grewal)/03%3A_Chemistry_of_Life/3.06%3A_Lipids#:~:text=Humans%20and% 20other%20animals%20store,with%20a%20four%2Dring%20structure. - https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/ - https://www.rsb.org.uk/education/teaching-resources/secondary-schools/chemistry-for-bi ologists -