Table 2-3. Summary of Macromolecules
| Macromolecule | Building Block | Function | Examples | |------------------|---------------------|--------------------------------------------------|------------------------------| | Carbohydrates | Monosaccharides | Provide energy, serve as structural elements | Glucose, starch, cellulose | | Proteins | Amino acids | Serve as enzymes, structural components, signaling, and transport molecules | Hemoglobin, enzymes, collagen | | Lipids | Fatty acids & glycerol | Store energy, form cell membranes, provide insulation | Fats, oils, steroids | | Nucleic Acids | Nucleotides | Store and transmit genetic information | DNA, RNA |
2. Explanation of Cellulose as a Food Solution for World Hunger
Cellulose, while abundant in nature and a significant component of plant cell walls, is not a viable food solution for world hunger for several reasons:
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Human Digestibility: Humans lack the necessary enzymes to break down cellulose. Unlike some herbivores that possess specialized gut flora to digest cellulose, we cannot extract energy from it. As a result, while it makes up a large portion of plant matter, it cannot be used as a caloric source for human nutrition.
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Availability of Alternatives: While cellulose is plentiful in foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, these foods also contain other macromolecules (like starches and proteins) that provide essential nutrients and energy. Therefore, the focus is often on foods that are easily digestible and nutrient-rich.
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Food Production and Accessibility: Even though cellulose-rich foods may be abundant in agricultural settings, logistical issues such as transportation, storage, and distribution often prevent these foods from reaching those in need. The prevalence of cellulose does not alleviate issues related to food equity and access.
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Nutritional Needs: Addressing hunger requires providing a balanced diet containing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Merely increasing cellulose intake would not fulfill these nutritional needs.
Overall, while cellulose plays a crucial role in various ecosystems and contributes to the diet as fiber, it lacks the necessary properties to serve as a direct food solution in alleviating global hunger.