Nutrition Unit Study Guide KEY

Form II Biology
February 2008
Copy the questions and write the answers in your Biology Counter Book. Remember to include this topic
(Nutrition Study Guide) in your Table of Contents and the pages that your work can be found.

 Read page 59 in Introduction to Biology Third Tropical Edition and pages 48 & 64 in Biology for
Secondary Schools Book I. Then, answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1. Explain in detail what is an autotrophic organism?
Organisms that can build up the materials needed to grow from simple inorganic chemicals (molecules). Green plants
(photo-autotrophs) use sunlight energy to carry out photosynthesis. Chemo-autotrophs such as bacteria use chemical
energy from chemical reactions to produce organic materials from inorganic molecules.
2. Plants (photo-autotrophs) use photosynthesis for what purpose?
Plants can make parts such as leaves, stems, and root materials from carbon dioxide, water and mineral salts. Plants
use the suns light energy to fuel the process.
3. Write the chemical equation for photosynthesis in words.
Six molecules of Carbon dioxide and six molecules of Water combine with the use of solar energy to
produce one molecule of Glucose and six molecules of Oxygen.
Some bacteria (chemo-autotrophs) use chemosynthesis to make carbohydrates. Where do they get the
energy to make carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water? Chemo-autotrophs such as bacteria use chemical
energy from chemical reactions to produce organic materials from inorganic molecules.
4. Explain in detail what is a heterotrophic organism and heterotrophic nutrition?
Heterotrophic organisms digest (eat) organic molecules produced by autotrophs and absorb the nutrients of
these organic molecules into their bodies.
5. Explain the difference between the following heterotrophic organism and give examples of each:
a. Carnivore – eat other animals predators such as lions, birds of prey or scavengers
b. Herbivore- eat plants and plant products such as grazing or browsing animals (cows, goats, rabbits)
c. Omnivore- eats plant and animal material. Humans, rats,
6. A substance can be called food if it provides a living organism with one of three things. List these three
things.
a. Provides energy to the body
b. Provide materials for growth and repair
c. Provide factors for good health including immunity and fighting diseases.
 Read page 55 in Biology for Secondary Schools Book I, Mechanisms of Photosynthesis and answer the
following questions:
1. What is a carbohydrate?
Carbohydrates are nutrients that are sugars and starches (constructed of simple sugar (glucose) molecules).
Carbohydrates are called saccharides.
2. What is the difference between a monosaccharide, disaccharides, and polysaccharides?
Depending on the number of simple sugar (glucose) molecules, carbohydrates can be classified as a simple
sugar (monosaccharide), compound sugars (disaccharides), and complex sugars (polysaccharides).
Monosaccharides and disaccharides are called sugars and polysaccharides are called starches.

 Read page 55-57 Biology for Secondary Schools Book I, Experiment 5.7(page 55) up to Polysaccharides
(page 57). Answer the following questions:
1. Give two examples of simple sugars (reducing sugars).
a. Glucose and fructose
2. Fill out the following chart for identifying simple sugars (reducing sugars) using Benedict’s Test for.

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 Test Procedure
Benedict’s Add 2cm3 of a solution of a
Test reducing sugar to a test tube. Add
an equal volume of Benedict’s
solution. Shake continuously
while bringing to a gentle boil to
minimize spitting.)
Observations Inference
The initial blue coloration of the mixture A positive test result
turns green then yellowish and may indicates the
finally form a brick-red precipitate. A solution contains a
green precipitate indicates relatively little reducing sugar.
sugar, yellow somewhat more, brown
even more and red the most sugar.

3. Give two examples of sugars that are non-reducing compound sugars.

Sucrose and maltose
4. Fill out the chart below for identifying compound sugars (non-reducing sugars) using a Modified
Benedict’s Test.
Test Procedure Observations Inference
Add 2cm3 of a solution of sucrose (non- The initial blue coloration of the A positive test
Modified reducing sugar) to a test tube. Add 1 cm3 mixture turns green then yellowish result indicates
Benedict’s dilute hydrochloric acid. Boil for one and may finally form a brick-red the solution
Test. minute. Carefully neutralize with sodium precipitate. A green precipitate contains a non-
hydrogen carbonate (check with pH indicates relatively little sugar, reducing sugar
paper). Carry out Benedict’s test on the yellow somewhat more, brown even such as
resulting solution. more and red the most sugar. sucrose.

 Read pages 57-58 in Biology for Secondary Schools Book I, Polysaccharides (starches) (page 57) through
Properties of Cellulose (page 58). Answer the following questions:
1. What is a starch?
Starch is a carbohydrate made of many glucose (monosaccharide) molecules linked together. Therefore,
Starch is a polysaccharide. Examples are plant roots (20-30 glucose linked), cellulose (100-200 glucose
molecules linked).
2. Give three examples of starches. Cassava, rice, potato, maize, grains
Fill out the chart for identifying starches (polysaccharides) using the Iodine/Potassium Iodide Test.

Test Procedure Observations Inference

Iodine/Potassium Add 2cm3 of a 1% starch
Iodide Test solution to a test tube. Add a
few drops of I2/KI solution.
Alternative add a few drops of
I2/KI to solid form of starch.
A blue-black coloration confirms the A blue-black
presence of starch. If you are testing coloration
foodstuff in water the blue color confirms the
sometimes appears on the food stuff presence of
itself rather than in the solution as starch
starch is relatively insoluble.

 Read YOUR CLASS NOTES on, Lipids. Answer the following questions YOUR CLASS NOTES for the
Sudan III test.:
1. What is a lipid (fat)?
a. Organic molecules containing carbon chains, hydrogen, and much less oxygen than sugars
and starches. (C57H110O6).
b. Lipids are fats (solids) and oils (liquids).
c. Insoluble in water
d. High source of energy (1 gm fat is same amount of energy as 2 gms of carbohydrates.
e. Stored in adipose tissue (fatty tissue) in animals-under skin and around muscles.
f. Source of water when oxidized- camels hump,
g. protection of muscles (heart & kidney) and insulation of body.
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 2. Give three examples of foods high in lipids (fats). Nuts, animal fats, vegetable oils, avocado,
coconut, milk.
3. Fill out the chart for identifying lipids (fats) using the Sudan III Test.
Test Procedure Observations Inference
Sudan III Add 2cm3 of oil to 2cm3 of water in a A red-stained oil layer separates A red-stained oil layer
Test test tube. Add a few drops of Sudan III on the surface of the water, which confirms the presence
and shake. remains uncolored. of lipids (fats).

 Read YOUR CLASS NOTES on proteins and page 60 Biology for Secondary Schools Book I. Answer the
following questions using YOUR CLASS NOTES for the potassium hydroxide nab copper sulphate test:
1. What is a protein?
a. A nutrient molecule made of chains of amino acids linked together. (Peptide bonds) forming
polypeptides. A protein molecule is many polypeptides linked together.
2. Give three examples of foods high in protein.
a. Plant material: Beans, peas, nuts,
b. Animal material: mammals, birds, fish, insects, milk, cheese, eggs (essential amino acids)
3. Fill out the chart for identifying proteins using the potassium hydroxide and copper sulphate
test.
Test Procedure Observations Inference
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Copper Add 2cm of protein solution to a test A blue color at the surface of A blue color at the
Sulphate tube. Add an equal volume of 4% the solution indicates a surface that turns
Test potassium hydroxide or sodium protein. On shaking, the blue purple on shaking
hydroxide solution and mix. Add 2 drops ring disappears and the confirms the
of 1% copper sulphate solution down the solution turns purple. presence of
sides of the test tube and mix. No heating protein.
is required.

 Solve this problem: You are given an unknown solution. Your assignment is to identify if there is any
carbohydrate or protein in this solution.
a. What tests will you conduct?
Benedict’s, Modified Benedicts, and Copper Sulphate Tests.
b. Assume that you found the solution to contain starch and protein. Complete the tables below with the
results of the two tests you conducted.
Test Procedure Observations Inference
Iodine Add 2cm3 of a 1% starch solution to a test A blue-black coloration. (If you are A blue-black
/KI Test tube. Add a few drops of I2/KI solution. testing foodstuff in water the blue coloration
Alternative add a few drops of I2/KI to color sometimes appears on the food confirms the
solid form of starch. stuff itself rather than in the solution presence of
as starch is relatively insoluble.) starch.

Test Procedure Observations Inference

Copper Add 2cm3 of protein solution to a test A blue color at the surface of the A blue color at
Sulphate tube. Add an equal volume of 4% solution. On shaking, the blue ring the surface of the
Test potassium hydroxide or sodium disappears and the solution turns solution and turns
hydroxide solution and mix. Add 2 drops purple. purple when
of 1% copper sulphate solution down the shaken indicates
sides of the test tube and mix. No heating a protein.
is required.

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 c. Why is it especially important to include protein in the diet of a 1-5year old child? (hint: look up the
symptoms of kwashiorkor disease)
A child must start to receive protein from sources other than mother’s milk after 6 months because the
increase in the growth rate of a child demands much more protein than the milk can provide. If a child does
not receive additional protein from other foods rich in protein they develop kwashiorkor disease and usually
will die by age 5.
 Read pages 72-74 in Biology for Secondary Schools Book I. Read the chart in your notes of Minerals and
Vitamins
1. Explain the role of the following nutrients in the body of a human:

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 a. Protein
1) Provides energy 2) provides material for growth and repair of body.
b. Carbohydrates and Fats
Provides energy for activities and metabolism
c. Vitamins
Regulation of general health and immunity for fighting disease through enzyme activity
d. Minerals
1) Growth and repair of body 2) regulation of healthy and immunity for fighting disease.

 Read pages 60-63 and 72-74 in Biology for Secondary Schools Book I. Read the chart in your
notes of Minerals and Vitamins (SEE CHART PROVIDED FOR ANSWERS POSSIBLE)
2. Give three examples of minerals, the food sources, and the function in living organisms.
Mineral Source Function

3. Give three examples of vitamins, the sources, and the function in living organisms.
Vitamin Source Function

4. The body of humans and many humans get water through drinking and eating. List seven ways
water is used in the body:
Uses of Water in the body
1. Formation of protoplasm
2. Medium for transportation of materials through the body
3. Takes part in chemical reactions in the body
4. Helps cool the body through sweating and evaporation of sweat.
5. Lubricant for surfaces that rub such as eye lids and eyeballs
6. Formation of protoplasm
7. Medium for transportation of materials through the body

 Read pages 74-78 in Biology for Secondary Schools Book I. Answer the following questions.
a. Why do we need to eat and balanced diet? Energy, Growth and repair, regulation of health
and immunity are provided through the foods we eat. But the foods must be in the right
quantities and relative proportions of different nutrients (protein, carbohydrates, lipids (fats),
vitamins and minerals). If an organism does not receive enough food it is weak and thin and
prone to disease. Too much food results in diseases such as obesity. Without the different
kinds of nutrients organisms can become diseases due to particular deficiencies.
b. Explain how a balanced diet is different for different ages, sex, activity, etc.
Young children (0-5 yrs) and children of all ages still growing need more protein than adults.
Children and adults that are more active need more energy so more protein, carbohydrates
and fats. A pregnant woman needs more food, and particularly more protein, to feed the
growing embryo and well as her.

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 c. Plan three days (M-W) of food to eat that would be a balanced diet. For each food item tell
what kind of nutrient(s) it provides. Sunday is completed as an example.
Breakfast Tea Lunch Dinner
foods nutrient foods nutrient foods nutrient foods nutrient
Sun Eggs Protein, Vit Porridge Carbohydrate Cabbage Vit B1, B2, C, Rice, potatoes, Carbohydrate
Oil to cook in D&K, iron, Tea with milk Protein, Ugali with salt K, calcium, tomato, carrot, Vit A, C, B1, B2,
Porridge nitrogen, and sugar calcium, Vit A Beans iron, sodium, onion sauce niacin, K,
Orange juice Choroko beans, calcium, sodium,
phosphorus chlorine,
Lipids iodine, fish, chlorine, iodine,
Carbohydrate nitrogen, Mchicha nitrogen
Vitamin C Salt and oil to magnesium,
phosphorus,
cook with phosphorus,
protein
carbohydrate sulphur
Mon
Tues
Wed

d. Copy the chart and fill in the blanks by identifying the missing nutrient in the following
nutrient deficiency diseases in humans and describing their symptoms. Some are completed
as examples.

Disease Nutrient Missing Symptoms

Marasmus ALL Stunted growth; gorging self when food available; crying; thin especially
shrunken buttocks
Kwashiorkor protein Retarded growth; hair looses color, texture, and falls out; protruding stomach;
dry skin; weak, loss of appetite; diarrhea; eventual death by age of 5.
Night Vitamin A Failure to see in dim light; dry skin, cornea, and internal moist membranes;
blindness respiratory tract infections; retarded growth
beriberi Vitamin B1 Loss of appetite; weakness; loss of nervous sensation; weak and shrinking of
muscles.
pellagra Vitamin B2 and Cracking, flaking skin; sores on lips and tongue; retarded growth.
niacin (nicotinic
acid)
Pernicious Vitamin B12 Formation of abnormally large blood cells
Anemia
Scurvy Vitamin C Bleeding gums, wounds heal poorly, painful and swollen joints.
Rickets, Vitamin D Soft bones; legs bow from bones inability to support body; in elders, bones can
Osteomalacia fracture more easily.
Vitamin K Vitamin K Slow clotting of blood due to lack of blood clotting factors; tendency to bleed
and bruise.
Mineral Iodine Thyroxine deficiency; enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
Mineral Potassium Inefficient muscle contraction; retarded growth due to poor cell division and
protein synthesis.
Mineral Magnesium Poor bone and teeth formation; failure of muscles to contract.
Mineral Sodium Muscle cramps
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Mineral Chlorine Failure of stomach to produce hydrochloric acid, hence poor digestion of
proteins in the stomach.
Mineral Phosphorus Poor bone and teeth formation; failure of muscles to contract; general
weakness.
Mineral Calcium Poor bone growth; tooth decay; blood loss because blood takes longer to clot.
Mineral Iron Anemia, consequent tiredness, breathlessness due to inability to transport
oxygen to muscles and other body tissues.
Water Water Thirsty; volume of urine decreases; frequency of urinating decreases; color of
urine changes to more yellowish; feces becomes dry because absorption of
water in the large intestines increases.

 Write the definition for the following terms.

acid: a solution that contains more hydrogen ions (H+) than hydroxide ions (OH-); Turns blue pH
1 paper red. Common acids are vinegar, orange juice, hydrochloric acid.
2 adipose tissue: fatty tissues in animals under the skin and around muscles.
amino acid: an organic molecule than contains nitrogen and makes up peptide molecules that link
3 to make proteins
4 Apparatus: equipment used in the laboratory for experiments.
base: a solution that contains more hydroxide ions (OH-) than hydrogen ions (H+). Turns red pH
5 paper blue. Common bases include soap, cleaning liquids, sodium hydroxide.
6 Benedict's Test: a procedure used to identify the presence of glucose or other reducing sugars.
carbohydrate: Carbohydrates are nutrients that are sugars and starches (constructed of simple sugar
7 (glucose) molecules). Carbohydrates are called saccharides.
cellulose: a starch (polysaccharide) which forms the building materials for plant cell walls. Ex:
8 linen, cotton fibers
9 coloration: the color that a solution turns during a chemical test.
10 diet: the daily foods that an organism eats.
11 disaccharide: complex sugars made from two or more glucose molecules. Ex. sucrose
12 embryo: developmental stage of a mammal while growing in the womb of the mother.
enzyme: protein substance which acts as a catalyst (initiates) and controls the rate of chemical
13 reactions in cells, generally speeding them up.
14 glucose: a simple sugar, monosaccharide. C6H12O6
glycogen: a carbohydrate similar to starch, stored in the liver and muscles of mammals. It is
converted into glucose as the body requires energy for all the chemical and physical processes
15 necessary for life.
16 goiter: swelling of the thyroid gland from a deficiency of the mineral Iodine
17 inference: what one can infer or know from the results of a conducting a test or investigation...
18 insoluble; a substance that cannot dissolve in water. (or another designated substance).
iodine/Potassium Iodide Test: a procedure used to identify the presence of starch in a solution or
19 solid.
20 ion: an atom that has become charged because of the loss or gaining of an electron.
lipid: a nutrient that are organic molecules containing carbon chains, hydrogen, and much less
21 oxygen than sugars and starches. (C57H110O6). Lipids are fats (solids) and oils (liquids).
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22 malnutrition: when a person cannot have a balanced diet.
Modified Benedict’s test: a procedure used to identify the presence of sucrose or other non-
23 reducing sugars
24 molecule: a two or more atoms linked together (bonded) to form materials used to build materials.
25 monosaccharide: simple sugars such as glucose.
non-reducing sugar: a complex sugar that requires the Modified Benedicts Test to confirm its
26 presence.
27 obesity: a disease that is caused by eating more food than is required by an organism.
peptide bond: the link between two amino acids that makes a polypeptide. Polypeptides make
28 proteins.
pH paper: red and blue paper that contain chemicals that will indicate the presence of an acid or a
29 base by changing colors. Blue turns red with acids. Red turns blue with bases.
photosynthesis: the process that green plants have to absorb inorganic materials including carbon
dioxide from the air and water from the soil to make their food and food for other organisms to
30 eat.
31 polysaccharide: starches that are made from many glucose molecules linked together.
32 precipitate: particles that come out of solution (are insoluble) as a result of a chemical reaction.
presence: that something exists in a place. In food tests, the test confirms that a nutrient is in a
33 solution tested or present...
34 procedure: a list of instructions telling how to do something.
protein: A nutrient molecule made of chains of amino acids linked together. (Peptide bonds)
35 forming polypeptides. A protein molecule is many polypeptides linked together.
reagent: a substance or chemical that will combine or react with another chemical to make a new
36 combination of chemicals (products)
reducing sugar: a simple sugar (glucose) that requires the Benedicts Test to confirm its presence in
37 a solution.
solution: a liquid substance or chemical (water) that contains another chemical which is dissolved
38 such that the solution is transparent. (you can see through it)
starch: Starch is a carbohydrate made of many glucose (monosaccharide) molecules linked
together. Therefore, Starch is a polysaccharide. Examples are plant roots (20-30 glucose linked),
39 cellulose (100-200 glucose molecules linked).
40 Sudan III Test: a procedure used to identify the presence of lipids (fats).