Describe the four macromolecules
Living creatures contains four essential macromolecules; proteins, carbohydrates (sugars), lipids (fats) and nucleic acids. Every macromolecule is composed of its building blocks. A protein is predominantly composed of amino acids and is the molecular machinery that performs the daily duties of the cell. They form the internal skeleton that provides the cell with its shape. Nucleic acids incorporate all the essential DNA and RNA. DNA is the blueprint for genetic advancement for all forms of life. Nucleic acids contain and illustrate the genetic composition of life. It is formed of the sugar 2-deoxyribose, one of the four base molecules and a phosphate group. Carbohydrates are majorly found in several energy giving foods. It assists the muscles, nervous system, and the body in general functioning by providing the needed chemical energy. As carbohydrates continue to supply the immediate energy wanted by the body, lipids play a significant role in the provision of storage for long-term energy needed by the body. Lipids (fats) deliver essential vitamins and forms the protective membranes around cells ("Most important to least important of the 4 major macromolecules", 2018).
State how each macromolecule affects your health. Why do you need each one in your diet? What happens if you don't eat one or more of them?
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The four macromolecules are essential for our health and general body development. Proteins are essentials in humans as a building block of blood cells, hair, enzymes and muscles. An absence of a diet containing proteins, the body will scavenge for proteins from tissues to manufacture DNA and proteins for other crucial organs in the body.
A carbohydrate gives the body the necessary energy it requires and is also a suitable source of several vitamins and minerals. A low carbohydrate intake that offers fewer calories is essential for weight loss. If an individual stops eating carbohydrates, they quickly lose water since the body breaks down the stored carbohydrates. A diet that lacks this essential macromolecule would make the body to lose the critical source of energy. The cells cannot efficiently function minus energy ("Why Do We Need Fats, Carbohydrates, and Proteins in our Diet?” 2018)
The power of lipids in the body cannot be underestimated. Fats play a key role in the absorption of vitamins, clotting of blood, inflammation regulation and in brain development. The body burns fat as a secondary energy source when the body runs low in carbohydrates. The phospholipids are essential for cell membrane insulation and the prevention of unwanted cells from entering the cells. A lack of fats and a low-fat diet can lead to hormonal imbalances, diabetes, gut problems, skin problems and cognitive disorders among other issues.
The Nucleic acid is responsible for the genetic code of the body that permits everyone to follow particular genetic instructions. The nucleic acids are not needed in your diet. Humans have limited capability to take up the building blocks of nucleotides from the digestive system. The body tends to make its nucleic acid by the use of amino acids as precursors.
What are some good food sources for each macromolecule?
Food rich in carbohydrates include vegetables, bread, pasta, fruits, and dairy products. Some of the rich sources of protein comprise white-meat poultry, seafood, cheese, milk, yoghurt, eggs, soy, lean beef, and pork tenderloin among others. Rich sources of fat include salmon, flax seeds, walnuts, scallops, halibut, shrimp, cod, tofu, soybeans, kale, cabbage, cloves, tuna etc.
References
Most important to least important of the 4 major macromolecules . (2018). welcome . Retrieved 19 February 2018, from https://biology6thsajada.weebly.com/most-important-to-least-important-of-the-4-major-macromolecules.html
Why Do We Need Fats, Carbohydrates, and Proteins in our Diet? . (2018). Lions Talk Science . Retrieved 19 February 2018, from https://lions-talk-science.org/2014/06/13/why-do-we-need-fats-carbohydrates-and-proteins-in-our-diet/
