Biology 20 - Digestion vocabulary

Question 1

Macromolecules

Answer 1

Complex molecules that are composed of smaller subunits, known as monomers, which are linked together to form polymers. Examples include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which play crucial roles in biological processes.

Question 2

Dehydration Synthesis

Answer 2

A chemical reaction in which monomers are joined together to form polymers, with the removal of a water molecule. This process is essential for building macromolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Question 3

Hydrolysis

Answer 3

The reverse of dehydration synthesis, hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that breaks down polymers into monomers by the addition of water molecules. This process is crucial for digestion, as it allows organisms to extract nutrients from macromolecules.

Question 4

Carbohydrates

Answer 4

Organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, usually in the ratio of 1:2:1. Carbohydrates serve as a major source of energy and include sugars, starches, and cellulose.

Question 5

Proteins

Answer 5

Complex macromolecules composed of amino acid subunits linked together by peptide bonds. Proteins play diverse roles in the body, including structural support, enzyme catalysis, and cell signaling.

Question 6

Lipids

Answer 6

Diverse group of molecules that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Lipids include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids, and serve functions such as energy storage, cell membrane structure, and hormone production.

Question 7

Peptide Bond

Answer 7

A covalent bond formed between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another amino acid during protein synthesis. Peptide bonds link amino acids together to form polypeptide chains.

Question 8

Nucleic Acids

Answer 8

Macromolecules responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) are the two main types of nucleic acids, composed of nucleotide subunits containing a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Question 9

Vitamins

Answer 9

Essential organic compounds required in small amounts for various metabolic processes in the body. Vitamins act as coenzymes, facilitating enzyme activity, and are crucial for maintaining health and preventing deficiencies.

Question 10

Minerals

Answer 10

Inorganic compounds essential for various physiological functions, such as bone formation, nerve function, and fluid balance. Minerals include calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc, and must be obtained from the diet.

Question 11

Catalyst

Answer 11

A substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent change itself. Catalysts lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, thereby increasing reaction rates.

Question 12

Enzyme

Answer 12

A biological catalyst, usually a protein, that enhances the rate of specific biochemical reactions within cells. Enzymes bind to specific substrates and facilitate their conversion into products, playing essential roles in metabolism, digestion, and other physiological processes.

Question 13

Mouth

Answer 13

The oral cavity, where the process of digestion begins. The mouth is involved in both mechanical (chewing) and chemical (salivary amylase) digestion of food.

Question 14

Amylase

Answer 14

An enzyme produced in the mouth and pancreas that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into simpler sugars, such as maltose and glucose. Amylase initiates the breakdown of carbohydrates during digestion.

Question 15

Esophagus

Answer 15

A muscular tube connecting the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. The esophagus transports swallowed food (bolus) from the mouth to the stomach through peristaltic contractions.

Question 16

Peristalsis

Answer 16

Wave-like muscular contractions that propel food through the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Peristalsis ensures the efficient movement of food and facilitates digestion and absorption.

Question 17

Esophageal Sphincter

Answer 17

A muscular ring at the junction between the esophagus and stomach, known as the lower esophageal sphincter or cardiac sphincter. This sphincter regulates the passage of food from the esophagus into the stomach and prevents gastric reflux.

Question 18

Pyloric Sphincter

Answer 18

A muscular valve located at the junction between the stomach and the small intestine (duodenum). The pyloric sphincter controls the release of partially digested food (chyme) from the stomach into the small intestine.

Question 19

Pepsin

Answer 19

An enzyme produced in the stomach that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides by hydrolyzing peptide bonds. Pepsin is activated by the acidic environment of the stomach and plays a crucial role in protein digestion.

Question 20

Small Intestine

Answer 20

The longest part of the digestive tract, where most digestion and nutrient absorption occur. The small intestine consists of three segments: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, and is lined with villi and microvilli to increase surface area for absorption.

Question 21

Segmentation

Answer 21

A rhythmic contraction and relaxation of segments of the small intestine that mixes chyme with digestive juices and enhances nutrient absorption. Segmentation helps break down food particles and facilitates contact with the intestinal lining for absorption.

Question 22

Duodenum

Answer 22

The first segment of the small intestine, located immediately after the stomach. The duodenum receives partially digested food (chyme) from the stomach and mixes it with bile and pancreatic enzymes for further digestion.

Question 23

Villi

Answer 23

Tiny, finger-like projections covering the inner surface of the small intestine. Villi increase the absorptive surface area of the small intestine and contain blood vessels and lacteals for the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream and lymphatic system.

Question 24

Microvilli

Answer 24

Microscopic projections extending from the surface of absorptive cells (enterocytes) on the villi of the small intestine. Microvilli further increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption and contain enzymes involved in final digestion.

Question 25

Pancreas

Answer 25

A gland located behind the stomach that secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate ions into the duodenum. Pancreatic enzymes, including amylase, lipase, and proteases, facilitate the digestion of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

Question 26

Liver

Answer 26

A vital organ responsible for numerous metabolic functions, including the production of bile, detoxification of harmful substances, and synthesis of plasma proteins. The liver secretes bile into the small intestine to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats.

Question 27

Gall Bladder

Answer 27

A small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver that stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver. When stimulated by the ingestion of fatty foods, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine to emulsify fats for digestion.

Question 28

Carbohydrases

Answer 28

Enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of carbohydrates into simpler sugars. Carbohydrases include amylase, which breaks down starches into glucose, and other enzymes involved in the digestion of complex carbohydrates.

Question 29

Lipases

Answer 29

Enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of lipids (fats) into fatty acids and glycerol. Lipases are produced by the pancreas and facilitate the digestion and absorption of dietary fats in the small intestine.

Question 30

Proteases

Answer 30

Enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of proteins into peptides and amino acids. Proteases, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, are secreted by the pancreas and play a crucial role in protein digestion in the small intestine.

Question 31

Nucleases

Answer 31

Enzymes that break down nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, into nucleotides. Nucleases are involved in the digestion of dietary nucleic acids in the small intestine, allowing for the absorption of nucleotide components.

Question 32

Gastrin

Answer 32

A hormone produced by the stomach lining in response to the presence of food. Gastrin stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, including hydrochloric acid, to aid in the digestion of proteins and the regulation of gastric motility.

Question 33

Secretin

Answer 33

A hormone released by the duodenum in response to acidic chyme entering from the stomach. Secretin stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate ions, which neutralize the acidity of chyme and regulate digestive enzyme activity.

Question 34

CCK

Answer 34

(Cholecystokinin): A hormone produced by the small intestine in response to the presence of fats and proteins in the duodenum. CCK stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder and pancreatic enzymes from the pancreas, facilitating fat digestion and nutrient absorption.

Question 35

GIP

Answer 35

(Gastric Inhibitory Peptide): A hormone secreted by the small intestine that regulates gastric activity and insulin release in response to nutrient absorption. GIP inhibits gastric acid secretion and slows gastric emptying, allowing for efficient digestion and nutrient uptake.

Question 36

Large Intestine

Answer 36

The final portion of the digestive tract, consisting of the colon and rectum, where water and electrolytes are absorbed from undigested food residues. The large intestine also houses beneficial gut bacteria and forms and eliminates feces from the body.

Question 37

Ulcer

Answer 37

A sore or lesion that forms on the lining of the digestive tract, commonly occurring in the stomach (gastric ulcer) or duodenum (duodenal ulcer). Ulcers result from factors such as bacterial infection (H. pylori), excessive acid production, or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Question 38

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Answer 38

A group of chronic inflammatory disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions cause inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.

Question 39

Hepatitis

Answer 39

Inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections (e.g., hepatitis A, B, C) or autoimmune reactions. Hepatitis can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver failure if left untreated, and may require antiviral medications or liver transplantation.

Question 40

Cirrhosis

Answer 40

A progressive liver disease characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue (fibrosis). Cirrhosis impairs liver function and can lead to complications such as liver failure, portal hypertension, and hepatic encephalopathy.

Question 41

Gallstones

Answer 41

Hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts due to imbalances in bile composition. Gallstones can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice, and may require treatment with medications or surgical removal.

Question 42

Anorexia Nervosa

Answer 42

An eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image, and severe restriction of food intake. Anorexia nervosa can lead to significant physical and psychological health complications, including malnutrition, organ damage, and emotional distress.

Question 43

Obesity

Answer 43

A medical condition characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat, resulting in adverse effects on health. Obesity increases the risk of various chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, and requires comprehensive management strategies for weight loss and prevention.