MACROMOLECULES

Sara recently switched to a strict vegan diet. She eats lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. She avoids all animal products, including dairy and eggs. Lately, Sarah has been feeling tired and finds it hard to build muscle, even though she exercises regularly. Her meals are high in fiber and carbs but low in something crucial for tissue repair and enzymes.

Which macromolecule is Sara most likely not getting enough of?

Liam has been on a very strict low-fat diet for a year, trying to lose weight. He eats mostly lean protein and vegetables and avoids all oils, nuts, and fatty foods. Recently, he noticed his skin has become dry, his hair brittle, and he bruises easily. A doctor suggests he's missing an important macromolecule that helps build cell membranes and absorb vitamins.

Which macromolecule is Liam most likely not consuming enough of?

Alex is preparing for exams and decides to cut all sugars and starches from his diet to “clear his mind.” He sticks to lean meats and leafy vegetables. A few days in, he feels mentally foggy, sluggish, and struggles to concentrate. His meals are low in calories and missing the macromolecule that serves as the brain’s primary energy source.

Which macromolecule is Alex not consuming?

Maria recently had surgery but is recovering more slowly than expected. Her diet consists mainly of smoothies made from fruits and vegetables. Although she’s getting vitamins, minerals, and fiber, her wounds aren’t healing properly, and her muscles feel weak. Her doctor suspects she’s missing a macromolecule essential for building new tissue and repairing damage.

Which macromolecule is Maria likely not getting enough of?

A 5-year-old boy is brought to a pediatrician because he isn’t growing as expected. He has a balanced intake of carbs, proteins, and fats, but tests show irregularities in his DNA replication and cell division. Doctors suspect a rare condition or a deficiency in the building blocks that make up DNA and RNA.

Which macromolecule might the child be lacking in his diet?