Digestion Flashcards
What are three biochemical reactions?
- Metabolism
- Catabolism
- Anabolism
What does metabolism refer to?
All chemical reactions in a cell
What does catabolism refer to?
The breakdown of complex chemical structures to simpler molecules
What does anabolism refer to?
Combining simple molecules into complex structures
What are macronutrients?
- Any nutrient required in large amounts
- Generally used as a source of energy
What are micronutrients?
- Any nutrient required in small amounts
- Can’t be used for energy
- Essential and play a unique role in the body
What are essential nutrients?
Nutrients which can’t be produced by the body and therefore must come from an external source (ex. food)
What are non-essential nutrients?
Nutrients that are still necessary, but can be produced by the body if lacking in diet
What is an enzyme?
A protein molecule that acts as a catalyst to increase the rate of a chemical reaction
Fill in the blanks:
Each type of enzyme has a specific ________ & ___________ which will only fit one type of ____________
SHAPE, ORIENTATION and SUBSTRATE
What is the optimal temperature for enzymes in the human body?
Approximately 37°C
What is the optimal pH range for most enzymes in the human body?
pH 6 - 8
What kind of environment do stomach enzymes prefer?
They work best in acidic conditions
What does an inhibitor do to an enzyme?
Attach to an enzyme and reduces its ability to bind substrates
Are vitamins and minerals macromolecules?
No, they are essential nutrients, but are only required in small amounts
What are vitamins?
- Organic compounds that act as coenzymes
- Function in tissue growth, development, and immunity
(ex. Vitamin C)
What are minerals?
- Inorganic compounds
- Play an important role in bone and cartilage structure
- Essential components of hormones, enzymes, vitamins, and hemoglobin
(ex. Magnesium)
How are reactions sped up?
By introducing a catalyst, which lowers the amount of energy required, without being used up in the reaction
What role does the digestive system play in the body?
Physically and chemically breaks down food in order to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream
What are the 5 main structures involved in ingestion?
- Mouth
- Salivary Glands
- Teeth
- Tongue
- Esophagus
What role does the mouth play in digestion?
- First part of the digestive tract
- Both physical and chemical digestion occurs there
What role do the teeth play in digestion?
- Tears and grinds food into smaller pieces
What role do the salivary glands play in digestion?
- Produce salivary amylase enzyme
- Perform hydrolysis of carbohydrates (ex. polysaccharide —> disaccharide)
What role does the tongue play in digestion?
- Rolls food into smooth lump-like mass called a bolus
- Bolus moves to back of throat pushes and pushes epiglottis down to prevent choking
