Cells in the human body require many compounds to survive. The main substances found in all living organisms are a mix of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Each of these substances has a different niche as a part of the body, and all of them must either come from the diet or be created using other chemicals in the body.
Functions of Carbs
Carbohydrates are the preferred source of energy for most of the tissues in the body, including the nervous system and the heart. Carbohydrates from the diet are converted into glucose, which can either be immediately used as a source of energy or stored in the form of glycogen. Carbs contain the elements of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and like lipids always have a hydrogen, oxygen ratio of 2:1. Carbs typically have a shape of a hexagon/circle thing. The body cannot digest all carbohydrates in the diet, however; indigestible carbohydrates, known as fiber, travel through the intestines and can help maintain proper digestive health. Carbohydrates are known for short-term energy storage.
Functions of Lipids …show more content…
fats, play multiple parts in the body. Fats are broken down in the digestive system to form individual fatty acids and cholesterol molecules. Fatty acids and cholesterol are key pieces of the membranes that contain all cells. Cholesterol can also be used to create many other compounds in the body, such as hormones. Lipids contain mainly the elements of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, however the hydrogen to oxygen ratio is always 2:1. The shape of lipids are typically in a straight long line chemically. Finally, fatty acids represent an important source of energy, particularly for the purposes of long-term energy
Functions of Carbs
Carbohydrates are the preferred source of energy for most of the tissues in the body, including the nervous system and the heart. Carbohydrates from the diet are converted into glucose, which can either be immediately used as a source of energy or stored in the form of glycogen. Carbs contain the elements of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and like lipids always have a hydrogen, oxygen ratio of 2:1. Carbs typically have a shape of a hexagon/circle thing. The body cannot digest all carbohydrates in the diet, however; indigestible carbohydrates, known as fiber, travel through the intestines and can help maintain proper digestive health. Carbohydrates are known for short-term energy storage.
Functions of Lipids …show more content…
fats, play multiple parts in the body. Fats are broken down in the digestive system to form individual fatty acids and cholesterol molecules. Fatty acids and cholesterol are key pieces of the membranes that contain all cells. Cholesterol can also be used to create many other compounds in the body, such as hormones. Lipids contain mainly the elements of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, however the hydrogen to oxygen ratio is always 2:1. The shape of lipids are typically in a straight long line chemically. Finally, fatty acids represent an important source of energy, particularly for the purposes of long-term energy