# A food scientist is analysing the nutritional content of a new sports drink. The drink contains glucose, starch, and a small amount of fat. Describe the roles of carbohydrates and fats as biological molecules in the human body.

> Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0) — Topic 1 Biological Molecules · Describe · 5 marks

> Sports drinks are designed to provide energy quickly and to support sustained activity. They often contain a mixture of biological molecules that serve different functions in the body.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Glucose/carbohydrates are used as a source of energy (for respiration)
2. Starch (a carbohydrate) is a storage molecule / provides a longer-term energy source
3. Fats are used as an energy store / contain more energy per gram than carbohydrates
4. Fats are used to make cell membranes / provide insulation / protect organs
5. Carbohydrates/glucose can be converted to glycogen for storage in the liver and muscles

## Key terms

- [carbohydrate](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/carbohydrate)
- [glucose](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/glucose)
- [starch](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/starch)
- [fat](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fat)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-food-scientist-is-analysing-the-9f39226a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.