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Biology IB HL - D1 Human Nutrition Part 3

Biology25 CardsCreated about 1 month ago

This flashcard deck covers key concepts related to human nutrition, focusing on cholesterol, vitamins, and dietary minerals as outlined in the Biology IB HL curriculum.

What do high cholesterol levels in the bloodstream lead to?

High cholesterol levels in the bloodstream lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis)
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Key Terms

Term
Definition
What do high cholesterol levels in the bloodstream lead to?
High cholesterol levels in the bloodstream lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis)
What happens when there are high LDL levels in the bloodstream?
When there are high levels of LDL in the bloodstream, the LDL particles will form deposits in the walls of the arteries
What does the accumulation of fat in arterial walls lead to?
The accumulation of fat within the arterial wall leads to the development of plaques which restrict blood flow
What happens if coronary arteries become blocked?
If coronary arteries become blocked, coronary heart disease (CHD) will result – this includes heart attacks and strokes
What are vitamins?
Vitamins are organic molecules with complex chemical structures that are quite diverse and hence categorised by groups
Is there a limit to the consumption of water soluble vitamins?
Water soluble vitamins need to be constantly consumed as any excess is lost in urine (e.g. vitamins B, C)

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TermDefinition
What do high cholesterol levels in the bloodstream lead to?
High cholesterol levels in the bloodstream lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis)
What happens when there are high LDL levels in the bloodstream?
When there are high levels of LDL in the bloodstream, the LDL particles will form deposits in the walls of the arteries
What does the accumulation of fat in arterial walls lead to?
The accumulation of fat within the arterial wall leads to the development of plaques which restrict blood flow
What happens if coronary arteries become blocked?
If coronary arteries become blocked, coronary heart disease (CHD) will result – this includes heart attacks and strokes
What are vitamins?
Vitamins are organic molecules with complex chemical structures that are quite diverse and hence categorised by groups
Is there a limit to the consumption of water soluble vitamins?
Water soluble vitamins need to be constantly consumed as any excess is lost in urine (e.g. vitamins B, C)
Where can fat soluble vitamins be stored?
Fat soluble vitamins can be stored within the body (e.g. vitamins A, D, E, K)
What are many functions of vitamins? (3)
The functions of vitamins are as diverse as their structure, although many function as cofactors, antioxidants or hormones
Are many vitamins non/essential?
Many vitamins are essential as they cannot be synthesised by the body and their absence may cause a deficiency disease
What is ascorbic acid and its use?
Ascorbic acid is a form of vitamin C that is required for a range of metabolic activities in all animals and plants
What is the role of ascorbic acid in mammals? (4)
In mammals it functions as a potent antioxidant and also plays an important role in immune function. It is also involved in the synthesis of collagen (a structural protein) and in the synthesis of lipoproteins
Can humans produce ascorbic acid?
NO | Ascorbic acid is made internally by most mammals from monosaccharides – but it is not produced by humans
How do most humans consume ascorbic acid?
Consequently, human must ingest vitamin C as part of their dietary requirements in order to avoid adverse health effects
What does a vitamin C deficiency lead to?
A deficiency in vitamin C levels will lead to the development of scurvy and a general weakening of normal immune function
What are common sources of vitamin C?
Common food sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits and orange juice
What is the role of vitamin D?
Vitamin D is involved in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus by the body – which contribute to bone mineralisation
What happens to elements associated with vit D if there is a deficiency?
In the absence of sufficient amounts of this vitamin, these elements are not absorbed but instead excreted in the faeces
What does a vit D deficiency lead to?
This can lead to the onset of diseases such as osteomalacia (where bones soften) or rickets (where bones are deformed)
Can vit D be synthesised?
yes | Vitamin D can be naturally synthesised by the body when a chemical precursor is exposed to UV light (i.e. sunlight)
Where can vit D be stored?
The vitamin D may be stored by the liver for when levels are low (e.g. during winter when sun exposure is reduced)
What may affect vit D synthesis?
Individuals with darker skin pigmentation produce vitamin D more slowly and hence require greater sun exposure
Who are vit D deficiencies usually restricted to?
Vitamin D deficiencies are usually restricted to individuals with highly limited sun exposure (e.g. elderly, certain ethnicities)
What is the problem with sun exposure?
While excess sun exposure is beneficial for vitamin D production, it also increases the risks of developing skin cancers
What are dietary minerals?
Dietary minerals are chemical elements required as essential nutrients by organisms
What minerals are considered non-essential?
Minerals present in common organic molecules are not considered essential – e.g. C, H, O, N, S