Digestion

• What is a balanced or healthy diet?

  It provides the right nutrients and energy.
• Why does a healthy diet vary from person to person?

  Because individual needs differ.
• What do cells need nutrients for?

  Energy, growth, and maintenance.
• What are the main nutrients and their sources?

  • Carbohydrates: Pasta, potatoes
  • Proteins: Eggs, fish, meat
  • Lipids: Butter, oils
  • Vitamins: Fruits, vegetables
  • Minerals: Milk, spinach
  • Water: Essential for hydration
• What is the primary source of carbohydrates?

  Pasta and potatoes.
• What is the role of proteins in the body?

  To repair and grow tissues.
• What do lipids do in the body?

  Store energy and provide insulation.
• Why are vitamins needed in small quantities?

  To keep the body healthy.
• What is the function of water in the body?

  To keep us hydrated.
• How much water do we need daily?

  Around 2 liters.
• What is the main source of energy in our diet?

  Carbohydrates and fats.
• How is energy measured in food?

  In kilojoules (kJ).
• What is the relationship between joules and kilojoules?

  1000 joules = 1 kilojoule.
• What is the approximate conversion of calories to joules?

  1 calorie is about 4.2 joules.
• Why is digestion necessary?

  To break down large food molecules.
• What happens to large food molecules during digestion?

  They are broken into smaller molecules.
• Where does absorption of digested food occur?

  In the small intestine.
• What are the organs of the digestive system?

  1. Mouth
  2. Oesophagus
  3. Stomach
  4. Liver
  5. Gall bladder
  6. Pancreas
  7. Small intestine
  8. Large intestine
  9. Rectum
  10. Anus
• What are the functions of the digestive system?

  1. Ingestion: Taking food into the mouth
  2. Digestion: Breaking food down
  3. Absorption: Taking nutrients into the bloodstream
  4. Elimination: Getting rid of waste
• What is the alimentary canal?

  A continuous muscular tube from mouth to anus.
• What is mechanical digestion?

  Physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces.
• What is chemical digestion?

  Breaking food into smaller, soluble molecules.
• What are the three important digestive enzymes?

  1. Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates
  2. Protease: Breaks down proteins
  3. Lipase: Breaks down fats
• Where is amylase produced?

  Salivary glands and pancreas.
• What does protease break down?

  Proteins.
• What does lipase break down?

  Fats.
• What is the role of the small intestine?

  Digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• What are the five key nutrients in a balanced diet?

  Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals.
• What is the primary function of carbohydrates?

  To provide energy.
• What are the functions of proteins?

  Growth and repair of tissues.
• What do lipids provide besides energy?

  Insulation and protection.
• What are some sources of vitamins?

  Fruits and vegetables.
• What is the role of minerals in the body?

  To maintain health.
• What is the function of water in the body?

  Involved in nearly every bodily function.
• What is the average temperature unit?

  Degrees Celsius (°C).
• What does fiber do for digestive health?

  Prevents constipation and promotes gut health.
• What are the physiological aspects of digestion?

  • Continuous muscular tube from mouth to anus
  • Receives food, digests it, absorbs nutrients, eliminates waste
  • Lined with mucous membrane for lubrication and protection
  • Food moved by peristalsis (muscle contractions)
• What is the lock and key theory of enzymes?

  • Enzymes are specific to substrates
  • Active site fits substrate like a key in a lock
  • Facilitates chemical reactions in the body
• What are the products of fat digestion?

  • Fatty acids
  • Glycerol
• What happens to protein in the stomach?

  • Proteins are broken down by protease
  • Absorbed as amino acids