Question

Macronutrients are nutrients that contain inorganic components. a. True b. False

Answer 1

This is false, as macronutrients are all made of organic components. Macronutrients are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The most basic unit for carbohydrates is glucose. Glucose is an organic molecule with a chemical formula of C6H12O6 which then is broken down by the body to convert it to energy (in the form of ATP). Fats or triglycerides are comprised of fatty acids and a glycerol backbone which can also be used by the body for energy or can be stored for later use. Proteins on the other hand are functional molecules wherein the basic unit for proteins is the amino acid. Proteins are exemplified because they contain nitrogen (CHON). All of which can be used as energy and has specific caloric value per gram (4 kcal for every gram of protein and carbohydrates and 9 kcal for every gram of fat).

Micronutrients are usually inorganic compounds with no caloric value. Usually these micronutrients are essential for maintaining biochemical pathways in the body. For instance, niacin and riboflavin are vitamins that are needed in the production of NAD and FAD which are important for reduction-oxidation reactions in the body (i.e. tricarboxylic acid cycle and electron transport chain).