How is the structure of; carbohydrates, lipids and protein molecules related to its function?
Carbohydrates are broken down into starches and simple sugars, both of which are either stored as fat or metabolized by glycolysis, the Kreb’s cycle and the Electron Transport Chain to produce carbon dioxide, some enzymes and ATP – an organic molecule that stores and releases energy for the body. Lipids are broken down into glycerol and fatty acids. Again, they can be stored as fats or used to produce energy. Energy from fatty acids is the preferred energy source by the body except for the brain which prefers glucose. Proteins are broken down into amino acids. They can also be stored as fats or made into energy; however, proteins are the last source the body turns to for energy. Amino acids also produce ammonia which is toxic and quickly converted to urea which is excreted out in urine.
