Absorption of carbohydrates

Question 1

What happens to carbohydrates after they have been digested?
(2)

Answer 1

After digestion the monosaccharides glucose, fructose and galactose are ready to be absorbed by the small intestine

They do so by passing through the wall of the villi and into the bloodstream

Question 2

What happens to the monosaccharides after they have been brought into the bloodstream?

Answer 2

The hepatic portal vein transports the monosaccharides to the liver via the bloodstream

Question 3

What happens to the monosaccharides in the liver?

3

Answer 3

Fructose and galactose are converted to glucose

Glucose is oxidised to produce heat and energy

Glucose is converted to glycogen and stored in the liver and muscles as a long-term energy reserve

Question 4

What two monosaccharides are converted to glucose in the liver?

Answer 4

Galactose and fructose

Question 5

What happens to galactose and fructose in the liver?

Answer 5

They are converted to glucose

Question 6

What is some glucose converted into in the liver?

Answer 6

Some glucose is converted to glycogen

Question 7

Why is some glucose converted into glycogen in the liver?

Answer 7

Glycogen is stored in the liver and muscles as a long-term energy reserve

Question 8

What happens to excess glucose?

Answer 8

It is converted to fat and stored as adipose tissue under the skin

Question 9

Why is excess glucose converted to fat?

Answer 9

As adipose tissue insulates the body and acts as an energy reserve