Unit 1: Biomolecules – The Building Blocks of Life

1.1 Introduction to Biomolecules

• What are biomolecules?
• Carbon-based molecules
• Importance of biomolecules in living organisms

1.2 Carbohydrates

• Structure of carbohydrates
• Simple and complex carbohydrates
• Energy storage and release

1.3 Lipids

• Structure of lipids
• Fats, oils, and phospholipids
• Energy storage and cell membranes

1.4 Proteins

• Amino acids and protein structure
• Functions of proteins
• Enzymes as proteins

1.5 Nucleic Acids (DNA and RNA)

• Structure of DNA and RNA
• Genetic information
• Protein synthesis

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Unit 2: Enzymes and Biological Reactions

2.1 What Are Enzymes?

• Biological catalysts
• Enzymes and reaction rates
• Importance in living systems

2.2 Enzyme Specificity

• Substrates and products
• Lock-and-key model
• Shape and function

2.3 Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity

• Temperature
• pH
• Denaturation and optimum conditions

2.4 Enzymes in Digestion

• Amylase
• Protease
• Lipase

2.5 Enzymes in Industry and Biotechnology

• Food production
• Detergents
• Medical and industrial applications

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Unit 3: Human Nutrition

3.1 Nutrients and Their Functions

• Macronutrients and micronutrients
• Functions of nutrients
• Water and health

3.2 Balanced Diets

• Components of a balanced diet
• Nutritional needs
• Healthy meal planning

3.3 Malnutrition and Deficiency Diseases

• Undernutrition and overnutrition
• Deficiency disorders
• Health consequences

3.4 Reading Food Labels

• Nutritional information
• Serving sizes
• Making informed food choices

3.5 Energy Requirements and Healthy Living

• Energy needs
• Physical activity
• Lifestyle choices and health

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Unit 4: Digestion and Absorption

4.1 The Digestive System

• Major digestive organs
• Functions of digestive structures
• Path of food through the body

4.2 Mechanical and Chemical Digestion

• Physical breakdown of food
• Chemical digestion by enzymes
• Digestive processes

4.3 Absorption in the Small Intestine

• Villi and microvilli
• Nutrient absorption
• Transport into the bloodstream

4.4 The Role of Enzymes in Digestion

• Digestive enzymes
• Breakdown of biomolecules
• Enzyme action in the digestive tract

4.5 Maintaining Digestive Health

• Fiber and water
• Healthy digestive habits
• Digestive disorders

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Unit 5: Food Science and Metabolism

5.1 Food Tests for Biomolecules

• Testing for starch
• Testing for sugars
• Testing for proteins and lipids

5.2 Cellular Respiration

• Energy release from glucose
• Aerobic respiration
• Importance of respiration

5.3 Energy Release from Food

• Energy content of nutrients
• Calories and kilojoules
• Energy balance

5.4 Metabolism and Metabolic Rate

• Metabolism
• Anabolism and catabolism
• Factors affecting metabolic rate

5.5 Nutrition in Health and Disease

• Diet and disease prevention
• Chronic diseases and nutrition
• Healthy eating for lifelong wellness

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Course Summary

Throughout this course, students will explore the molecules that make life possible and investigate how organisms obtain, process, and use nutrients. Beginning with the study of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, students will develop an understanding of the biological molecules that form the foundation of living systems. They will then examine enzymes and biological reactions, discovering how cells control the chemical processes necessary for life.

The course continues with an exploration of human nutrition, digestion, and absorption, helping students understand how nutrients are obtained from food and transported throughout the body. Finally, students investigate food science, cellular respiration, metabolism, and the relationship between nutrition and health. Through laboratory investigations, data analysis, and real-world applications, students will develop scientific skills while gaining practical knowledge that can support healthy lifestyle choices.

By the end of the course, students will understand how biomolecules, enzymes, digestion, and metabolism work together to sustain life, providing a strong foundation for future studies in biology, physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, and health sciences.