BIOCORE ZINE (grp 5) by Coleen Grafilo

BioCore The

Macromolecules: Unlocking the Power of Nature’sBuildingBlocks

Inthevasttapestryoflife,everythingfromthestructureofaleaftothebeatingof a human heart relies on one powerful category of compounds: macromolecules. These are the large, complex molecules that form the backbone of all living organisms. Think of them as nature’s intricate architecture designed with purpose, function, and beauty In this article, we dive into the essentials of macromolecules, and then take a closer look at three of the most vital types: carbohydrates,lipids,andproteins.

Macromolecules are large molecules composed of smaller subunits called monomers. These monomers link together in repeating patterns to form polymers, creating unique structures that carry out countless functionsinthebody.

20% 10% <1%

Proteins Lipids Carbs

Function: Energy storage (glycogen), structural support (cellulose), and cell signaling (glycoproteins)

The four main types of biological macromolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins,andnucleicacids.Forthisfeature,we’llexplorethefirstthree eachwith itsownvitalroleintheweboflife.

�� Carbohydrates:TheBody's PrimaryFuel

When your body needs energy, it turns first to carbohydrates These molecules, made of sugar units like glucose, are the mainenergysourceformost cells

�� Simple carbs (found in fruits & sweets): Quick energyboost

�� Complex carbs (grains, veggies): Long-lasting energy

But carbs aren’t just fuel. Cellulose provides structure in plants, while glycogen stores energy in your liver and muscles ready for action when you need it most.

.�� Lipids:MoreThanJustFat

Lipids are often labeled as “fats,”butthey’remuchmore thanthat.Thisdiversegroup includes oils, waxes, and steroids all crucial for structureandfunction.

�� Saturatedfats(solid,from animals)

�� Unsaturated fats (liquid, likeoliveoil)–heart-friendly!

Lipids form the phospholipid bilayer that surrounds every cell They insulate, protect, and even act as chemical messengers(likehormones) Without them, cells couldn’t function properly or even exist

�� Proteins: The Body’s Workhorses

Proteins do the heavy lifting in nearly every bodily process. Made from 20 amino acids, these complex molecules fold into precise shapes to carry out specific tasks.

�� Enzymes – speed up chemicalreactions

�� Transporters – like hemoglobin,carryoxygen

�� Defenders – antibodies thatfightinfections

�� Builders – keratin (hair), collagen(skin)

Each protein’s power lies in itsstructure Atinychangein shape can mean a big difference in function or dysfunction

Atherosclerosis

WhatYouNeedtoKnow

AboutAtherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis might sound like a science fiction term, but it’s a very real and dangerous condition. It happens when fats, cholesterol, and other substances build up inside your arteries, forming sticky plaques These plaques narrow and harden the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through.

WhatCausesIt

⚠ When this flow is blocked, it can lead to serious issues like heart attacks or strokes. Think of it like this: your daily choices stack up sometimes, literally in your blood vessels.

Here's what contributes to the clog:

Too much saturated and trans fat

High cholesterol levels

Smoking

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Diabetes

Obesity

Lack of exercise

WhatDoesItFeel

In early stages, you might feel nothingatall Butonlaterstages:

Chestpainorangina

Shortnessofbreath

Constantfatigue

Weaknessinarmsorlegs

Stroke or heart attack (when it's reallyserious!)

Fatty Liver Diseas

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is packed with fat even though you barely tou the modern lifestyle: too much food, too little calledmetabolicsyndrome,alongwithobesit

Here’s the tricky part—NAFLD often has no ob Fatigue

A dull pain or discomfort in the upper righ Elevated liver enzymes (spotted during blood t In severe cases, it can lead to liver scarring (cirrh

hat it sounds like:Your liver gets ol It’s a growing problem tied to ent. It’s also part of a bigger trio betes oms. But your liver may be trying to tell you:

Hyperlipidemia

WhatIsHyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia is a mouthful but in simple terms, itmeansyourbloodiscarryingtoomuchfat. This includes cholesterol and triglycerides, which, when elevated, quietly boost your risk for heart disease,stroke,andotherseriousconditions.

�� The scary part? It often sneaks in without symptoms untilitstrikes.

WhyDoesItHappen?

Hyperlipidemia doesn’t just show up overnight. Here’swhatcancauseyourfatlevelstorise: A fat-heavy diet (yes, fried food lovers, this one’sforyou)

Genetics (some people are born with it familialhypercholesterolemia)

Obesity Lackofexercise

Toomuchalcohol

Conditionslikediabetesorhypothyroidism

WhatAreTheSigns?

Most people don’t feel a thing—until it’s too late Butinsomecases,yourbodygivesyouhints: Xanthomas(fattybumpsunderyourskin)

Chest pain (a sign of underlying heart disease)

Suddenheartattackorstroke

Ifyourcholesterolishigh,don’tpanic —youcantakecontrol. Thinkofitasawake-upcall,notalife sentence.

LipidLogic:True LipidLogic:True orFalse? orFalse?

Writecheck(✓)TforTrueorFforFalse!

1.Lipids are hydrophilic and dissolve easilyinwater. ☐ T ☐ F

2.Phospholipids are key components of cellmembranes ☐ T ☐ F

3.Unsaturated fats are typically liquid at roomtemperature. ☐ T ☐ F

4.Cholesterolisatypeofprotein. ☐ T ☐ F

5.Lipids can function as chemical messengerslikehormones. ☐ T ☐ F

Galactosemia

WhatYouNeedtoKnow

Galactosemia is a rare inherited metabolic disorder in which the body cannot properly process galactose, a sugar found in milk. It’s especially critical in newborns, as galactose is present in both breast milk and most infant formulas.

In newborns, symptoms usually appear a few days after starting milk feeding. These may include poor appetite, low energy, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and failure to thrive. Severe signs can involve jaundice, an enlarged liver, fluid in the abdomen (ascites), and brain swelling (edema).

It is caused by mutations in the genes responsible for producing enzymes that break down galactose Inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, the condition occurs when a child receives a faulty gene from both parents. These mutations impair galactose metabolism, leading to the buildup of toxic substances like galactitol If left untreated, galactosemia can result in serious complications such as cataracts, developmental delays, intellectual disability, speech and motor challenges, neurological damage, kidney disease, liver failure, sepsis, and premature ovarian insufficiencyinfemales.

GLYCOGENSTOR DISORDERS:IMPA ENERGYMANAGE

DIABETES

Diabetes is a long-term conditio poor insulin response. Insulin m anyone and, though often lifelon checks Symptoms vary but ma vision,slowhealing,andfrequent liketype2,maydevelopsilently.

Diabetesstemsfromhighbloods linkedtoobesity,inactivity,diet,a cells. Gestational diabetes com damage (from injury or illness) c mutations

Hereditary Fructose Intolerance (HFI)

WhatIsHFI?

Hereditary fructose intolerance is a rare genetic metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme aldolase B, whichisessentialfortheproperbreakdownoffructoseinthe liver, kidneys, and intestines. This leads to accumulation of toxic fructose-1-phosphate, causing cellular damage and metabolicdisturbances.

WhatAreTheSymptoms?

Early signs often begin in infancy after consuming fructoserich foods, with nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, andlowbloodsugar.Overtime,symptomsmayincludepoor feeding, failure to thrive, jaundice, enlarged liver, and kidney issues. Many develop a dislike for sweets and fruits due to discomfort after eating them. Without treatment, severe casescanleadtoliverfailureorevendeath.

HFIcan’tbepreventedgenetically,butearlydiagnosisiskey. Lifelong avoidance of fructose, sucrose, and sorbitol—found in fruits, honey, and processed foods helps prevent symptoms. Genetic testing and counseling are advised for at-riskfamilies.

too high due to lack of insulin or o cells for energy. It can affect ation, healthy habits, and regular irst, fatigue, weight loss, blurred e1,appearsuddenly,whileothers, tenresultsfrominsulinresistance, muneattackoninsulin-producing es disrupting insulin. Pancreatic pes, like MODY, are due to genetic

CarboWord CarboWord Search Search

M C E L L U L O S E P Y

S T A R C H M O N O S

A Y G F F R U C T O SE

C N B S I A A L H T R

C A G R C S S C G R A H R D O Y A R A I A C A U H C N L G R D D H R C O O L M E E S I I

I O G L Y C O G E N D

D S A C C H A R I D E

WordstoFind:

Yourbrainusesupabout120 gramsofglucoseeveryday— that’slikeeatingnearly30sugar cubesjusttothinkstraight!

Kwashiorkor

WhatYouNeedtoKnow

Kwashiorkor is a malnutrition that occurs when there is not enough protein in our body. It usually occurs in developing countries with high poverty levels and hunger. Without enough protein, the body can’t make the important building blocks needed for growth, repair, and maintaining body functions. As a result, children with kwashiorkor often develop swelling in the belly and legs, weak muscles, and slow healing. Their hair and skin may also change because they lack the proteins needed to stay healthy. Kwashiorkor is most common in countries where there is a limited supply or lack of food. It is mostly found in children and infants in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central America.

WhatCausesIt?

Low Protein Diet

Poverty and Food Insecurity

Weaning Too Early or Poor Feeding Practices

Infections like Measles and diarrhea

Lack of Nutrition Education

Marasmus

Marasmus is a severe form macronutrients(carbohydrates, weight loss. It's primarily caused awayofbodytissues,particularly

Marasmus presents with several n malnutrition.Theseinclude:

Severeweightloss,wherebodyweig

Muscleandfatwasting,resultingin

Growthretardation,especiallyinchi

Other symptoms include brittle hair, temperature, and noticeable behavio thosewithmarasmusarealsoathighe

oneWrong: tripped,and mbled!

HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE

WhatIsHuntington’s?

Huntington’sdiseaseisaninheritedbraindisorderin which certain nerve cells slowly lose function and die HD usually shows up in adulthood (often between ages 30 and 50) and is progressive Early on people may notice subtle changes like clumsiness or mood shifts, but over 10–20 years the diseasecausesmorepronouncedjerkymovements, memoryproblems,andpersonalitychanges

WhatAreTheSymptoms?

Earlysignsmaybesubtle(slightclumsinessormood change),buteventuallyclearsymptomsemerge: Movement issues: Jerky motions, stiffness, poor coordination Speech/swallowing:Slurredspeech,troubleeating Cognitivedecline:Memoryloss,poorfocus, Behavioralchanges:Irritability,depression,apathy Juvenile HD (rare): Stiffness, seizures, faster decline

InHuntington’sdisease,toxicproteinclumpsbuildup inneurons,causingthemtofailanddie especiallyin brain areas controlling movement and thinking leading to worsening symptoms This progressive damage disrupts the brain’s ability to coordinate smoothmovementandclearthought. haracterized by a deficiency of all eadingtoalackofcaloriesandsevere orie deficiency, resulting in a wasting noticeable signs, mainly due to severe ghtfallswellbelowthenormalrangeforage athin,emaciatedappearance ildren,affectingbothheightandweight dry and sagging skin, diarrhea, low body oral changes. Due to weakened immunity, erriskofinfections.