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Food function and structure – question bank

An inquiry approach is a method often used in science education. The question bank provides an initial list of questions about the macronutrients and micronutrients our bodies need and places where their answers can be found.

The article Food function and structure – introduction has links to further resources and student activities.

Q. Foods are mostly made up of carbon compounds. What is it about the element carbon that makes this possible?

Q. What is the difference between a macronutrient and a micronutrient?

Q. In our diet, the macronutrients we consume are mostly ‘big’ molecules. What does the term ‘big’ mean, with reference to carbohydrates, proteins and fats?

Q. The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for a teenager is 45mg per day. Why is this intake of vitamin C essential to maintain our health and wellbeing?

Q. Why is iodine an essential mineral in the diet?

Q. What are phytochemicals, and why should small amounts of some of them be included in our diet?

Q. What are functional foods?

Q. What is the structure of dietary fibre and what role does it play in the body?

Q. Apart from water-based beverages like tea, coffee and soft drinks, what other sources of water are available to the body?

Q. What dietary recommendations do the people profiled in this context suggest to support health and wellbeing within our teenage population?

Published: 18 March 2011,Updated: 18 March 2011