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Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are macromolecules that are all necessary in our diets. In fact, they are our food. When we cook and process foods, we change the nature of proteins, highlight the flavor and texture of fats, and use carbohydrates to sweeten and preserve. Macromolecules are what makes food taste like...food!
Each type of macromolecule has different functions and is made up of smaller subunits.
Proteins
Proteins
Subunit: Amino Acid
Function: Build tissues, regulate body functions, aid in movement.
Foods: Meat, seafood, eggs, plants, dairy
Caloric density: 4 calories per gram
Fats
Fats
Subunit: Triglyceride
(Glycerol + 3 Fatty Acids)
Function: Store energy, cushion organs, insulate
Foods: Fats, oils, butter, nuts
Caloric density: 9 calories per gram
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates
Subunit: Monosaccharide, like glucose
Function: Provide quick energy
Foods: Sugars, pasta, bread, rice, potatoes, fruits, vegetables
Caloric density: 4 calories per gram
Note: Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are macromolecules that contain genetic information. We don't use them as a food source, so we will not focus on them.
Next Step:
Click on any picture above to learn about that macromolecule
Next Step:
Click on any picture above to learn about that macromolecule
Credits: Thanks to the following teachers for authoring, contributing, field testing, and/or participating in the curriculum development process:
Kathleen Dunn, Wapato High School, Wapato, WA
Eva Briseno, CATS Academy, Toppenish, WA
Heather Fendell, Selah Middle School, Selah, WA
Gretchen Hansen, Naches Valley HS, Naches Valley, WA
Stephanie Konarska, Nathan Hale High School, Seattle, WA
Geordy Nelson, Toppenish High School, Toppenish, WA
Dottie Record, PACE High School, Wapato, WA
Tanya Rollins, Quincy High School, Quincy, WA
Aimee Taylor, Wapato High School, Wapato, WA
Cheryl Uceny, Kittitas Secondary, Kittitas, WA
Maggie Joe Uceny, Selah Middle School, Selah, WA
Suzanne Walker, Eisenhower High School, Yakima, WA
Jennifer Ward, River View High School, Kennewick, WA
Maddy Whitehurst, Wapato High School, Wapato, WA
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