Glossary

[ Amino acid ] A simple organic compound containing containing both an amine (-NH2) and a carboxyl (-COOH) functional group, along with a side-chain (R group), which is specific to each amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of… Read More »Amino acid

[ Amylase ] An enzyme which catalyses the hydrolysis of of starch and glycogen into glucose. It is principally found in saliva and pancreatic fluid.

[ Amyloidosis ] A rare disease resulting from accumulation of inappropriately folded proteins.

[ Amylopectin ] A polysaccharide comprising of highly-branched glucose chains, with a similar structure to glycogen but not as highly branched. Amylopectin serves as an energy store in green plants, along with amylose which together constitute starch.

[ Amylose ] A polysaccharide comprising of long, unbranched glucose chains. Amylose serves as an energy store in green plants, along with amylopectin which together constitute starch.

[ Anaerobic ] In the absence of oxygen, or otherwise the capability or requirement of the presence of oxygen. Opposite of Aerobic.

[ Anthoxanthin ] Not to be confused with Astaxanthin. A kind of plant-based flavonoids (flavones, flavonols) found in plants that range from colourless to a creamy yellow pigment. Anthoxanthins have antioxidant properties considered important in nutrition.

[ Anti-nutrient, antinutrient ] An anti-nutrient is a substance that reduces the bioavailability of a nutrient by interfering with its absorption or uptake, or biochemical activity. Some anti-nutrients are enzyme inhibitors, typically protease, lipase and amylase inhibitors which interfere with… Read More »Anti-nutrient