Adaptations for nutrients

Question 1

Autotrophic

Answer 1

An organism that can produce its own food using light, water, carbon dioxide, or other chemicals.

Question 2

Photosynthesis

Answer 2

The name of the process whereby organisms convert light energy from the sun into sugar and other organic molecules.

Question 3

Chemosynthesis

Answer 3

A process by which certain organisms synthesise carbohydrates and other organic molecules using chemical energy instead of light energy.

Question 4

Heterotrophic

Answer 4

An organism that eats other plants or animals for energy and nutrients.

Question 5

Saprotrophic

Answer 5

An organism that feeds by extracellular digestion, e.g. fungi. They release enzymes which catalyse the breakdown of dead plant and animal material into simpler organic matter.

Question 6

Mutualistic

Answer 6

In a mutualistic relationship, both species benefit from the interaction in an interdependent relationship.

Question 7

Parasitic

Answer 7

Parasitism is the relationship between a parasite and its host. The parasite benefits by gaining nutrients and/or energy from the host. The host is harmed by losing energy and/or nutrients.

Question 8

Holozoic

Answer 8

A heterotrophic organism that internally digests food substances. Holozoic nutrition involves ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation and egestion.

Question 9

Ingestion

Answer 9

The consumption of a substance by an organism.

Question 10

Digestion

Answer 10

The process of breaking down food into substances the body can use for energy, tissue growth, and repair.

Question 11

Absorption

Answer 11

The process of taking nutrients from the digestive system into the blood so they can be used in the body.

Question 12

Egestion

Answer 12

The process of passing out the remains of food that has not been digested, as faeces, through the anus.

Question 13

Endoparasite

Answer 13

Parasites that live inside the body of their host.

Question 14

Exoparasite

Answer 14

A parasite, such as the flea, that lives on the outer surface of its host.

Question 15

Mechanical breakdown

Answer 15

Physically breaking down food substances into smaller particles to more efficiently undergo chemical digestion (chewing).

Question 16

Chemical breakdown

Answer 16

Breaks large food molecules down into their chemical building blocks, which can then be absorbed through the intestinal wall and into the general circulation.

Question 17

Amylase

Answer 17

An enzyme that is produced in the salivary glands and the pancreas.

Question 18

Chief cell

Answer 18

Produce enzymes and intrinsic factor essential for vitamin B12 absorption. They secrete digestive enzymes that help break down food.

Question 19

Mastication

Answer 19

The process of breaking down food into smaller pieces.

Question 20

Emulsification

Answer 20

A process in which large lipid globules are broken down into several small lipid globules.

Question 21

Villi

Answer 21

Finger-like projections in the small intestine that provide a large surface area for the absorption of food.

Question 22

Microvilli

Answer 22

Microscopic finger-like projections from the plasma membrane of some animal cells.

Question 23

Mucosa

Answer 23

The innermost layer of the gut. Closest to the lumen. Contains glands & goblet cells secrete mucus and digestive enzymes. Carries out secretion and absorption. In specific areas, it has projections that increase the surface area of the lumen (microvilli).

Question 24

Submucosa

Answer 24

Contains loose connective tissue, glands, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. Blood and lymph vessels, carry away absorbed materials. The nerves coordinate muscular contractions of peristalsis.

Question 25

Muscular layer

Answer 25

Produces the movements of churning the stomach and peristalsis. Consists of two layers of muscle running in different directions (circular/longitudinal).

Question 26

Serosa

Answer 26

The outer covering and anchor of the digestive tube/gut. Secretes fluid that lubricates the tube’s outer surface so organs slide freely against one another.

Question 27

Ruminant

Answer 27

Ruminants are animals that has more than one stomach and that swallows the food and then brings it back up again to continue chewing it.

Question 28

Regurgitate

Answer 28

To bring back swallowed food into the mouth.

Question 29

Reticulum

Answer 29

A network of flattened sacs and tubules that is present within eukaryotic cells.

Question 30

Diastema

Answer 30

A gap between the teeth of a herbivore.

Question 31

Carnissial

Answer 31

Modified molars to allow carnivores to rip flesh for a more effective consumption of meat.

Question 32

Proglottid

Answer 32

Many small segments about the size of a grain of rice which grow off the tape worm.

Question 33

Scolex

Answer 33

The head of a tapeworm either in the larva or adult stage from which the proglottids are produced by budding.