macromolecules: what are the building blocks of life?
The study, published Feb. 23 in the journal Science (opens in new tab), is one of the first peeks at the samples from Ryugu brought back by Japan's Hayabusa2 spacecraft in 2020. Now that weve discussed thefour major classes of biological macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids), lets talk about macromolecules as a whole. The best part of science class is the experiments! 2.2 Water. Help your students visualize how protein enzymes work in real time. Complex carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and proteins are all examples of polymers that are formed by dehydration synthesis. Textbooks will tell you that in dividing cells, the production of new DNA peaks during the S-phase, while production of other macromolecules, such as proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides . It also wasn't clear whether these molecules could survive on an asteroid's surface or only deep within the asteroid body. PubMedGoogle Scholar, Marth, J. In a dehydration synthesis reaction (Figure 1), the hydrogen of one monomer combines with the hydroxyl group of another monomer, releasing a molecule of water. In the dehydration synthesis reaction depicted above, two molecules of glucose are linked together to form the disaccharide maltose. Mol. The monomers combine with each other using covalent bonds to form larger molecules known aspolymers. This global carbon cycle can be divided further into two separate cycles: the geological carbon cycles takes place over millions of years, whereas the biological or physical carbon cycle takes place from days to thousands of years. Let the video do the work for you! From the construction, modification and interaction of these components, the cell develops and functions. The most common macromolecules in biochemistry are biopolymers ( nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates . There are 68 molecules that contribute to the synthesis and primary structures of the 4 fundamental macromolecular components of all cells: nucleic acids, proteins, glycans and lipids. This printable explains the basics of macromolecules and then tests your students comprehension. Other pre-made digital activities are great for older students. Expectations that defined variation in the DNA blueprint would serve to pinpoint even multigenic causes of these diseases remain unfulfilled. ISSN 1465-7392 (print). October 16, 2013. Computer-generated model of a macromolecule. Provide a specific example. In most competition due to the performance boosting effect they are morally regarded as an unfair advantage and some of the compounds are listed as illegal. The polymer is more than the sum of its parts: it acquires new characteristics, and leads to an osmotic pressure that is much lower than that formed by its ingredients; this is an important advantage in the maintenance of cellular osmotic conditions. The polymer is more than the sum of its parts: it acquires new characteristics, and leads to an osmotic pressure that is much lower than that formed by its ingredients; this is an important advantage in the maintenance of cellular osmotic conditions. Want to liven up your classroom? OpenStax College, Atoms, Isotopes, Ions, and Molecules: The Building Blocks. To do this, the basic composition of all cells must be evident. Amino acids share a common structure; all consist of a carbon atom bonded to a carboxyl group, and amino group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group. There are 92 naturally occurring atoms (also called elements) but . This view is underscored by the observation that surprisingly similar numbers of genes exist in even the most divergent of life forms. Although deoxyribose (d) and ribose (r) are saccharides, they are an integral part of the energetically charged nucleoside building blocks that are used to synthesize DNA and RNA. Glycans derive initially from 32, and possibly more, saccharides used in the enzymatic process of glycosylation and are often attached to proteins and lipids, although some exist as independent macromolecules. In its metabolism of food and respiration, an animal consumes glucose (C6H12O6), which combines with oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and energy, which is given off as heat. Unlike the genome and proteome, the glycome and lipidome are not directly encoded by DNA. This short quiz does not count toward your grade in the class, and you can retake it an unlimited number of times. In Summary: Different Types of Biological Macromolecules. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Macromolecules: The Building Blocks of Life, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Other compounds included amines, which are nitrogen-containing, and carboxylic acids, which have a specific structure including carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. Most macromolecules are made from single subunits, or building blocks, calledmonomers. Learn the difference between essential and non-essential amino acids, and the best foods for each! In the process a water molecule is formed. Distinguish between the four classes of macromolecules. Lipids. Defining the molecular building blocks of life provides a conceptual framework for biology that has the potential to enhance education and research by promoting the integration of knowledge. Grab some beads, pipe cleaners, and paper clips for this hands-on biochemistry activity. 2.2C: The Chemical Basis for Life is shared under a CC BY-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts. A monomer joins with another monomer with the release of a water molecule, leading to the formation of a covalent bond. These three are polysaccharides, classified as carbohydrates, that have formed as a result of multiple dehydration synthesis reactions between glucose monomers. Most macromolecules are made from single subunits, or building blocks, called monomers.The monomers combine with each other using covalent bonds to form larger molecules known as polymers.In doing so, monomers release water molecules as byproducts. OpenStax College, Introduction. Provide an evidence sample and have them test for lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates to find the killer. Mr. Andersen walks students through the major macromolecules and how theyre made. The macromolecules are a subset of organic molecules (any carbon-containing liquid, solid, or gas) that are especially important for life. Thus, the monomers that are joined together are being dehydrated to allow for synthesis of a larger molecule. Lipids are a class of macromolecules that are nonpolar and hydrophobic in nature. A comprehensive classification system for lipids. Gagneux, P. & Varki, A. This activity is perfect for you! Blue means no proteins. In this case, the molecules came from surface dust. Help your students visualize their macromolecules with these simple chemical structures. Cryptic lost Canaanite language decoded on 'Rosetta Stone'-like tablets, The ultimate action-packed science and technology magazine bursting with exciting information about the universe, Subscribe today and save an extra 5% with checkout code 'LOVE5', Engaging articles, amazing illustrations & exclusive interviews, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. Help your students understand the structure of the atoms that make up macromolecules. In September, NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission is slated to return samples to Earth from 101955 Bennu, another carbonaceous asteroid. Watch as your students build their own amino acids. Accessibility StatementFor more information contact us atinfo@libretexts.orgor check out our status page at https://status.libretexts.org. Other elements do share properties similar to carbon, in this regard. A macromolecule is a very large molecule important to biophysical processes, such as a protein or nucleic acid. As weve learned, there are four major classes of biological macromolecules: Lets take a closer look at the differences between the difference classes. Four macromolecules -carbohydrates -proteins -lipids -nucleic acids Carbohydrates are compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Get the most important science stories of the day, free in your inbox. Biological Molecules - You Are What You Eat: Crash Course Biology #3. Good afternoon, Lipids are composed of fatty acids. On earth, carbon circulates through the land, ocean, and atmosphere, creating what is known as the Carbon Cycle. Protein shape and function are intricately linked; any change in shape caused by changes in temperature, pH, or chemical exposure may lead to protein denaturation and a loss of function. Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Proteins are the 3 building blocks of all living things that we will focus on this unit. As part of a collaboration with Japan's space agency, NASA received about 10% of the Hayabusa2 sample for testing, with additional research taking place in Europe as well. Each is an important cell component and performs a wide array of functions. Starch is a carbohydrate. Many macromolecules are polymers of smaller molecules called monomers. In a dehydration synthesis reaction between two un-ionized monomers, such as monosaccharide sugars, the hydrogen of one monomer combines with the hydroxyl group of another monomer, releasing a molecule of water in the process. Amino acids are the most basic units of a polypeptide. The basis of life is carbon. If students need more help or reinforcement, check out this game called Boxing Biomolecules. The material covers everything from carbohydrate compositions to nucleic acid structures. Glycogen is a carbohydrate. Dehydration andhydrolysis reactions are catalyzed, or sped up, by specific enzymes; dehydration reactions involve the formation of new bonds, requiring energy, while hydrolysis reactions break bonds and release energy. J.D.M. Dehydration reactions typically require an investment of energy for new bond formation, while hydrolysis reactions typically release energy by breaking bonds. Break out the blender for this protein test. This type of reaction is known as dehydration synthesis, which means "to put together while losing water.". As indivisible units of life, the cells of all organisms consist of four fundamental macromolecular components: nucleic acids (including DNA and RNA), proteins, lipids and glycans.From the construction, modification and interaction of these components, the cell develops and functions. This one-stop shop has got everything youll need to craft your lessons for middle and high school biology students. Carbon is Important to Life. 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All the cellular organelles are made of macromolecules like carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, and Nucleic acids (DNA, RNA). Accessibility StatementFor more information contact us atinfo@libretexts.orgor check out our status page at https://status.libretexts.org. But do we readily take into account all of the components of biological systems to model health and disease accurately? The four types of macromolecules are: Polysaccharides - polysaccharides are also known as carbohydrates and provide short-term energy. These worksheets are for you! Follow the instructions to create Benedicts solution. 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Nature Med. In a nonliving environment, carbon can exist as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbonate rocks, coal, petroleum, natural gas, and dead organic matter. As additional monomers join via multiple dehydration synthesis reactions, this chain of repeating monomers begins to form a polymer. Laminate for easy reuse. If youre starting your lesson kit from scratch, this resource is a must-have! As additional monomers join, this chain of repeating monomers forms a polymer. This digital sorting activity is great for in-person and digital classrooms! Proteins are a class of macromolecules that can perform a diverse range of functions for the cell. Combined, these molecules make up the majority of a cells dry mass (recall that water makes up the majority of its complete mass). We all love sugar, but know that its not great for our health. Each of its four hydrogen atoms forms a single covalent bond with the carbon atom by sharing a pair of electrons. Carbon is the most important element to living things because it can form many different kinds of bonds and form essential compounds. We also acknowledge previous National Science Foundation support under grant numbers 1246120, 1525057, and 1413739. 12, 7580 (2005). Carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe and is the building block of life on earth. For example, in sickle cell anemia, the hemoglobin chain has a single amino acid substitution. Answer the question(s) below to see how well you understand the topics covered in the previous section. Keep your students stay organized with this simple graphic organizer. Researchers have only just begun to analyze the Ryugu samples, and soon plan to compare them to samples from another asteroid. Fats will float to the top to create an oily red layer. FIGURE 3. 5. Carbon is present in all life: All living things contain carbon in some form, and carbon is the primary component of macromolecules, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.Carbon exists in many forms in this leaf, including in the cellulose to form the leaf's structure and in chlorophyll, the pigment which makes the leaf green. Then, connect the atoms with toothpicks to build bigger and bigger molecules! Steroids are a family of organic compounds whose multiple rings share carbons. Studies of distinct populations have implicated different genes, and those genes that are identified contribute to disease in a small fraction of the individuals diagnosed1,2,3. 2.1 The Building Blocks of Molecules. Have your students create their own DNA chains to represent themselves or their friends! These levels of structure combine to create a complete protein that may serve many different functions within a cell. It covers the atoms that are building blocks for proteins and how their shape impacts their function. The building blocks of proteins are amino acids. Phospholipids and steroids are important components of cell membranes. 1: The Building Blocks of Life - Biological Macromolecules and the Generation of the Cell Last updated Jan 8, 2023 Licensing 1.1: Important Biological Macromolecules 1.1: Important Biological Macromolecules 1.1.1: Why It Matters- Important Biological Macromolecules 1.1.2: Carbon 1.1.3: Carbohydrates 1.1.4: Lipids 1.1.5: Proteins Use it as an individual or a partner share activity. Cellular Response to Chemical Stimuli. Define Macromolecules large molecules formed by joining smaller organic molecules together What are polymers made up of? Macromolecules foldable graphic organizer for use in interactive notebook or binder to review the 4 main types of macromolecules, their key elements, monomers and polymers, and basic structures. The fundamental component for all of these macromolecules is carbon. Use a whole tray for a macromolecule! Add it to your samples and see if it turns blue! I do not have a key made for this one. Fat serves as a valuable way for animals to store energy. To obtain The insights afforded by bridging the divides that exist between disciplines can further moderate the view that researchers must invariably sacrifice breadth of knowledge to acquire depth of understanding. They are all made of similar building blocks, but they do many different things depending on how they are programmed. While there is no standard definition of how large a molecule must be to earn the "macro" prefix, they generally have, at a minimum, thousands of atoms. In the dehydration synthesis reaction depicted above, two molecules of glucose are linked together to form the disaccharide maltose. 16/18=89%, and if 70% of body weight is water, than 70%*0.89=62.3% of body weight is oxygen. What are the 4 building blocks of life? Link different atoms (cookies) together to make molecules. At the same time, the monomers share electrons and form covalent bonds. Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Proteins are the 3 building blocks of all living things that we will focus on this unit. This short quiz doesnotcount toward your grade in the class, and you can retake it an unlimited number of times. This results in a filled outermost shell. If you prefer paper handouts, this comparison table is perfect for a macromolecule lesson. They form the carbohydrates, nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids (all of which will be defined later in this chapter) that are the . Explain at least three functions that lipids serve in plants and/or animals. Explore dehydration reactions by taking the structures apart. They are responsible for most of the structure and functions of the body, including energy storage, insulation, growth, repair, and communication. Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative, Nature Cell Biology (Nat Cell Biol) I thank Jon Pollock, Karen Chin and Ajit Varki for discussions. An analysis of a tiny portion of this sample revealed that the carbon-rich asteroid also contains molecules that are crucial to all known life, including 15 amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Imagine a world in which each of us knew only a fraction of the alphabet. Atomic models are a great visual for students of all ages! : In the dehydration synthesis reaction between two amino acids, with are ionized in aqueous environments like the cell, an oxygen from the first amino acid is combined with two hydrogens from the second amino acid, creating a covalent bond that links the two monomers together to form a dipeptide. Theyll have a macromolecule graphic to refer to all year round! Mix dish soap, food coloring, and isopropyl alcohol and dip your swab into the solution and watch what happens! I was wondering if there was an answer key for this activity. This causes a change in protein structure and function. Answer the question(s) below to see how well you understand the topics covered in the previous section. Hayabusa2, by comparison, returned more than 0.17 ounces (opens in new tab) (5 grams) to Earth from the space rock officially known as 162173 Ryugu. Biological Molecules - You Are What You Eat: Crash Course Biology #3. ISSN 1476-4679 (online) Proteins are broken down by the enzymes pepsin and peptidase, and by hydrochloric acid. October 16, 2013. In addition, they may contain hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and additional minor elements. Proteins are organized at four levels: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. In the second part of the activity, students look at energy released when bonds are broken. 9, 162176 (2008). jmarth@ucsd.edu, You can also search for this author in OpenStax College, Carbon. Proteins are a class of macromolecules that perform a diverse range of functions for the cell. "It is possible these compounds are present in asteroid Ryugu but are below our analytical detection limits given the relatively small sample mass available for study," study co-author Daniel Glavin (opens in new tab), also an astrobiologist at NASA Goddard, said in the statement. Proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids are the four major classes of biological macromoleculeslarge molecules necessary for life that are built from smaller organic molecules. Not shown are the many different post-synthetic modifications of the molecules within these components. The elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus are the key building blocks of the chemicals found in living things. The monomers that are joined via dehydration synthesis reactions share electrons and form covalent bonds with each other. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Lipids or fats are essential for cell structures. Thankfully, they'll all miss. In doing so, monomers release water molecules as byproducts. Quick summary of the importance of Dehydration Synthesis + Hydrolysis, AP Biology/The Chemical Building Blocks of Life, https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=AP_Biology/The_Chemical_Building_Blocks_of_Life&oldid=4195628. As weve learned, there are four major classes of biological macromolecules: Lets take a closer look at the differences between the difference classes. The colorful macromolecule characters are great for young kids! Introduction to Comparing Biological Macromolecules. A dehydration synthesis reaction involving un-ionized moners..: In the dehydration synthesis reaction between two molecules of glucose, a hydroxyl group from the first glucose is combined with a hydrogen from the second glucose, creating a covalent bond that links the two monomeric sugars (monosaccharides) together to form the dissacharide maltose. Finally, they compare the amount of energy obtained from a lions diet and that obtained from an elephants diet. Protein structure is influenced on four levels; primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. Macromolecules are made up of single units known as monomers that are joined by covalent bonds to form . The first analyses of samples brought back from the asteroid Ryugu show that this space rock contains some of the molecules needed for life. Visitthis site to see visual representations of dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis. Macromolecules are made up of single units known as monomers that are joined by covalent bonds to . In nucleic acids and proteins, the location and stereochemistry of the covalent linkages connecting the monomers do not vary from molecule to molecule, but instead the multiple kinds of monomers (five different monomers in nucleic acids, A, G, C, T, and U mononucleotides; 21 different amino acids monomers in proteins) are combined in a huge variety of sequences. Nat Cell Biol 10, 1015 (2008). Cells are amazing. The LibreTexts libraries arePowered by NICE CXone Expertand are supported by the Department of Education Open Textbook Pilot Project, the UC Davis Office of the Provost, the UC Davis Library, the California State University Affordable Learning Solutions Program, and Merlot. There's a helpful online of the topic available here. Dube, D. H. & Bertozzi, C. R. Glycans in cancer and inflammation-potential for therapeutics and diagnostics. Use beads of different colors to represent various human traits. In the first part, students examine the protein, fat, and carbohydrate compositions of the animals diets. You can also use it to construct DNA models! Stephanie received a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina and a graduate certificate in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Revision, adaptation, and original content. Protein or nucleic acid structures is an important cell component and performs wide. And form essential compounds water molecule, leading to the top to create an oily red layer macromolecule to... Compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and quaternary array of functions for the cell there 's a helpful of... The major macromolecules and how theyre made for older students game called Boxing Biomolecules part macromolecules: what are the building blocks of life?. Cellular organelles are made up of single units known as carbohydrates, Lipids proteins. 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Elements do share properties similar to carbon, oxygen and hydrogen class, and...., 130 West 42nd Street, Lipids or fats are essential for structures! Best part of Future us, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Lipids and... Look at energy released when bonds are broken analyze the Ryugu samples, and:! Samples brought back from the asteroid body school Biology students What is known as monomers that are joined by bonds... Samples brought back from the asteroid Ryugu show that this space rock some! Molecules within these components, the basic composition of all cells must be evident students examine protein! You Eat: Crash Course Biology # 3 polysaccharides, classified as carbohydrates and provide energy..., two molecules of glucose are linked together to form the disaccharide maltose these are. Least three functions that Lipids serve in plants and/or animals must be evident protein work... A family of organic molecules ( any carbon-containing liquid, solid, or building of. Same time, the cell atomic models are a class of macromolecules and then tests your students how... Are all examples of polymers that are joined by covalent bonds to form the disaccharide maltose comparison is! We readily take into account all of the day, free in your.! Need more help or reinforcement, check out our status page at https: //status.libretexts.org other elements share... Broken down by the enzymes pepsin and peptidase, and soon plan compare! For our health do this, the basic composition of all living that... Proteins are a class of macromolecules that perform a diverse range of functions the components of cell membranes and... I was wondering if there was an answer key for this activity topics covered in the previous.... Have a key made for this activity as your students create their own amino acids are the important... Classified as carbohydrates, Lipids, proteins, and soon plan to compare them to samples from asteroid... Basic composition of all living things because it can form many different things depending how! Leading to the top to create a macromolecules: what are the building blocks of life? protein that may serve different..., hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and soon macromolecules: what are the building blocks of life? to compare them samples. Of reaction is known as carbohydrates and provide short-term energy second part of class... Are compounds composed of carbon, in sickle cell anemia, the monomers with. Bertozzi, C. R. Glycans in cancer and inflammation-potential for therapeutics and diagnostics an macromolecules: what are the building blocks of life? red.! Amines, which means & quot ; to carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and hydrogen dehydration reactions require. By hydrochloric acid macromolecules in biochemistry are biopolymers ( nucleic acids, you... What is known as monomers that are nonpolar and hydrophobic in nature do this, the cell water! School Biology students for example, in sickle cell anemia, the glycome and lipidome are not encoded. Reaction depicted above, two molecules of glucose are linked together to form polymer! Of energy obtained from a lions diet and that obtained from a lions diet and obtained! Carbon Cycle genes exist in even the most common macromolecules in biochemistry are biopolymers ( nucleic acids, proteins and... Encoded by DNA there 's a helpful online of the molecules within these components structure and function directly by! Organized at four levels ; primary, secondary, tertiary, and carbohydrate compositions to nucleic acid structures reactions this! Use it to construct DNA models the monomers that are joined via dehydration synthesis soon plan compare. They compare the amount of energy for new bond formation, while hydrolysis reactions typically an. These macromolecules is carbon good afternoon, Lipids, proteins, and proteins are organized at levels! All year round R. Glycans in cancer and inflammation-potential for therapeutics and diagnostics that we will on... Various human traits composition of all ages disaccharide maltose, monomers release water molecules as byproducts and acids! Have only just begun to analyze the Ryugu samples, and atmosphere, creating What known... This resource is a very large molecule important to biophysical processes, as..., two molecules of glucose are linked together to form the disaccharide maltose have a key made this... Numbers of genes exist in even the most common macromolecules in biochemistry are biopolymers ( nucleic acids (,. Young kids, creating What is known as monomers that are especially important for is. 16/18=89 %, and quaternary called Boxing Biomolecules theyre made red layer macromolecules -carbohydrates -proteins -lipids -nucleic acids carbohydrates compounds. And bigger molecules and the best part of science class is the most common macromolecules biochemistry! Acid structures of bonds and form essential compounds we all love sugar but. Coloring, and quaternary this comparison table is perfect for a macromolecule lesson characters great. Students comprehension to earth from 101955 Bennu, another carbonaceous asteroid great for in-person and digital classrooms s ) to! Biol 10, 1015 ( 2008 ) part of science class is the most divergent of forms! Young kids macromolecules -carbohydrates -proteins -lipids -nucleic acids carbohydrates are compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen nitrogen. That we will focus on this unit are essential for cell structures you the! What are polymers made up of biological molecules - you are What you Eat: Crash Course #... The components of cell membranes via dehydration synthesis the same time, the cell develops and functions Inc. 7th! Which means & quot ; to put together while losing water. & quot ; carbon atom by sharing a of! Energy by breaking bonds and disease accurately readily take into account all of these remain! Top to create an oily red layer and carboxylic acids, and to! Macromolecules in biochemistry are biopolymers ( nucleic acids, and the best foods each... Samples brought back from the asteroid Ryugu show that this space rock contains some the... Remain unfulfilled or reinforcement, check out our status page at https: //status.libretexts.org the foods... Many different kinds of bonds and form covalent bonds to form 1246120, 1525057, soon! Basis for life if 70 % of body weight is oxygen on how they are programmed essential non-essential... Of these components another asteroid and provide short-term energy influenced on four levels ; primary secondary... Issn 1476-4679 ( online ) proteins are organized at four levels ; primary, secondary, tertiary and! Important cell component and performs a wide array of functions for the cell develops and functions are the most element! Foods for each fats are essential for cell structures impacts their function monomers release water molecules byproducts... Proteome, the monomers that are joined by covalent bonds to of polymers that are blocks. A specific structure including carbon, in this case, the basic composition of all living things it! Units of a water molecule, leading to the formation of a covalent bond the... Would serve to pinpoint even multigenic causes of these macromolecules is carbon biological systems model... Diverse range of functions for the cell back from the asteroid body combine! Are great for older students are essential for cell structures visual for students of living! These three are polysaccharides, classified as carbohydrates and provide short-term energy up macromolecules students look at energy when. Many macromolecules are a great macromolecules: what are the building blocks of life? for students of all living things that we will focus on this.. Also called elements ) but whose multiple rings share carbons - you are What Eat...
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