Supplying Energy

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ATP (adenosine triphosphate) Noun

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[uh-den-uh-seen try-fos-fayt]

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ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

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The main energy-carrying molecule used by cells to power their activities, serving as the body's primary usable energy currency.

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Example: This image shows the chemical reaction where glucose and oxygen are used to create carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP.

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Mitochondrion Noun

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[my-toh-kon-dree-on]

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Mitochondrion

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An organelle within a cell where aerobic respiration occurs to produce large amounts of ATP, known as the cell's 'powerhouse'.

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Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of a mitochondrion, labeling key parts like the inner and outer membranes, cristae, and the fluid-filled matrix.

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Macronutrient Noun

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[mak-roh-noo-tree-ent]

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Macronutrient

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A nutrient required in large amounts that supplies energy and building materials, such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

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Example: This image shows the three types of macronutrients—carbohydrates (like bread and fruit), proteins (like meat and eggs), and fats (like oils and avocado).

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Glucose Noun

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[gloo-kohs]

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Glucose

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A simple sugar that is the primary source of energy for the body's cells.

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Example: This image shows the chemical structure of a single glucose molecule, a type of sugar made of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms.

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Glycogen Noun

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[gly-kuh-jen]

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Glycogen

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The storage form of glucose in animals, found primarily in the liver and muscles for short-term energy reserve.

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Example: This diagram shows how the liver stores extra sugar (glucose) as glycogen when blood sugar is high, and converts it back to glucose when needed.

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Lipids Noun

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[lip-ids]

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Lipids

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A class of organic molecules including fats and oils, used by the body for long-term, energy-dense storage.

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Example: This image shows examples of foods that are high in lipids, such as oils, avocado, salmon, and nuts, which are fats our bodies use for energy.

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Fatty Acid Noun

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[fat-ee as-id]

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Fatty Acid

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A building block of fats (lipids) that can be broken down by cells to produce energy.

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Example: This image shows a fatty acid molecule, which has a long chain of carbon and hydrogen atoms and a special 'carboxyl group' at one end.

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Amino Acid Noun

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[uh-mee-noh as-id]

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Amino Acid

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The molecular building block of proteins, primarily used for building and repair but can be used for energy when necessary.

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Example: This image shows that individual amino acids (the colorful beads) are the building blocks that link together in a chain to form a protein.

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Amylase Noun

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[am-uh-leys]

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Amylase

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An enzyme that begins the digestion of carbohydrates into simpler sugars, found in saliva and the small intestine.

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Example: This diagram shows the enzyme amylase breaking down a long starch molecule (top) into smaller sugar molecules (bottom), which is how it helps digestion.

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Pepsin Noun

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[pep-sin]

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Pepsin

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An enzyme in the stomach that begins the digestion of proteins.

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Example: This diagram shows a protease enzyme, like pepsin, breaking the bonds of a protein molecule, resulting in smaller amino acids.