Nutrition Science and Everyday Application - beta v 0.1

306 ALICE CALLAHAN, PHD, HEATHER LEONARD, MED, RDN, AND TAMBERLY POWELL, MS, RDN
1. Describe the basic chemical structure of all amino acids, and understand the difference between
essential and non-essential amino acids.
2. Describe how proteins are formed from amino acids and name the four levels of structural
organization of proteins. Appreciate how the structure of a protein is vital to its function.
3. Describe and give examples of the wide variety of different functions of proteins in the body.
4. Define the guidelines for protein intake, and identify food sources of protein in the diet, distinguishing
between complete and incomplete proteins.
5. Trace the steps of protein digestion and absorption through the gastrointestinal tract, and discuss how
absorbed amino acids are used by the body.
6. Identify the health consequences of too little and too much dietary protein.
7. Discuss the environmental and public health consequences of protein choices, and identify ways to
make more sustainable choices.
Attributions:
“Defining Protein”, section 6.1 from the book An Introduction to Nutrition (v. 1.0), CC BY-NC-
SA 3.0
Image Credits:
“Yoga image” by Dave Rosenblum is licensed under CC-BY-2.0.