Exploring Biomolecules: Proteins and Carbohydrates in Daily Life

Objectives

1. Differentiate the main groups of biomolecules: proteins and carbohydrates.

2. Classify proteins and carbohydrates based on their functions and characteristics.

3. Find examples of proteins and carbohydrates in the human body and in food.

Contextualization

Biomolecules, such as proteins and carbohydrates, are fundamental to human life. They play essential roles in the functioning of the body, from building muscles to producing energy. Imagine the human body as a complex machine, where each piece has a specific function. Without these molecules, our 'machine' simply would not function correctly. Understanding these molecules is therefore crucial to comprehend how our body operates and maintains health. For example, proteins are essential for the production of hormones and enzymes, which regulate almost all body functions, while carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for our daily activities.

Relevance of the Theme

Knowledge about proteins and carbohydrates is crucial not only for understanding fundamental biological processes but also for various practical applications. In the job market, this knowledge is highly valued in areas such as health, nutrition, and biotechnology. Professionals in these fields use these concepts to develop balanced diets, medications, and other products that improve quality of life. Additionally, understanding the biochemistry of these molecules helps to combat common health problems, such as diabetes and obesity, making this topic extremely relevant in the current context.

Proteins

Proteins are macromolecules formed by amino acids linked by peptide bonds. They perform various vital functions in the body, including building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and acting as antibodies in the immune system. Proteins are essential for the growth, development, and maintenance of the human body.

• Structure: Formed by chains of amino acids.

• Functions: Tissue building and repair, enzyme and hormone production, immune function.

• Sources: Meats, eggs, dairy products, legumes.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are biomolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving as the primary source of energy for the body. They can be classified into simple ones, such as glucose and fructose, and complex ones, such as starch and fibers. Carbohydrates are essential for the functioning of the brain, muscles, and other tissues.

• Structure: Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

• Functions: Primary energy source, brain and muscle function.

• Sources: Breads, pasta, fruits, vegetables, grains.

Enzymes

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions in the body. They are specific to substrates and play crucial roles in processes such as digestion, DNA replication, and protein synthesis. Enzymatic activity is essential for maintaining homeostasis and metabolism.

• Structure: Proteins that act as biological catalysts.

• Functions: Accelerate chemical reactions, digestion, DNA replication, protein synthesis.

• Specificity: Each enzyme is specific to a substrate.

Practical Applications

• Nutritionists use knowledge about proteins and carbohydrates to create balanced and personalized diets, promoting individuals' health and well-being.
• Molecular biologists develop medications and therapies based on specific proteins, such as enzymes and hormones, to treat various diseases.
• The food industry applies concepts of biochemistry to create functional foods that offer additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition, such as probiotics and protein-enriched foods.

Key Terms

• Amino acids: Organic compounds that combine to form proteins.

• Peptide bonds: Chemical bonds that link amino acids in a protein.

• Monosaccharides: Simple carbohydrates like glucose and fructose.

• Polysaccharides: Complex carbohydrates like starch and cellulose.

• Biological catalysts: Substances that accelerate chemical reactions in the body.

Questions

• How can the lack of proteins and carbohydrates in the diet affect the functioning of the human body?

• In what ways can biotechnology contribute to the creation of healthier and functional foods?

• What is the importance of understanding the structure and function of biomolecules for professions in the health and nutrition field?

Conclusion

To Reflect

In this summary, we covered the importance of proteins and carbohydrates for the functioning of the human body and their practical applications in the job market. Proteins, formed by amino acids, are essential for building and repairing tissues, and they also play crucial roles in the production of enzymes and hormones. Carbohydrates, composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, are the primary source of energy for the body, fundamental for the functioning of the brain and muscles. Understanding these biomolecules helps us maintain a balanced diet and promote health and well-being. Furthermore, knowledge of biochemistry is highly valued in fields such as nutrition, biotechnology, and health, offering various professional opportunities. By reflecting on the impact of nutrition and the importance of biomolecules, we are better prepared to face the challenges of the job market and contribute to improving quality of life.

Mini Challenge - Practical Challenge: Exploring Nutritional Labels

This mini-challenge aims to consolidate students' understanding of the presence and importance of proteins and carbohydrates in daily food through the analysis of nutritional labels of different foods.

• Gather different nutritional labels from foods you have at home, such as cereals, yogurts, breads, and cereal bars.
• Analyze each label and identify the amounts of proteins and carbohydrates present in each food.
• Compare the amounts of proteins and carbohydrates among different foods and discuss which ones are richer in each of these nutrients.
• Answer the following questions: Which of the analyzed foods has the highest amount of proteins? Which has the highest amount of carbohydrates? Are these foods suitable for a balanced diet? Explain why.
• Present your conclusions in a brief written report or in a presentation for the class, highlighting the importance of proteins and carbohydrates for a healthy diet.