The Digestive System

Question 1

Define Digestion

Answer 1

Digestion is the process by which large insoluble molecules are broken down into smaller soluble molecules, so that they can be absorbed into the bloodstream

Question 2

What do the results of the Model Gut experiment tell us about the importance of digestion in the human body?

Answer 2

The glucose molecules are small and soluble so they can diffuse (move) through the visking tubing which represents the ileum wall. The starch molecules are large and insoluble so they cannot diffuse through.
Digestion is essential to enable food molecules to enter our bloodstream as it breaks down large insoluble molecules into smaller molecules that can be absorbed.

Question 3

Ingestion

Answer 3

Process where food is taken into mouth

Question 4

Digestion

Answer 4

Process where food is broken down into smaller molecules

Question 5

Absorption

Answer 5

Process where digested food goes into your bloodstream

Question 6

Assimilation

Answer 6

Process where digested food molecules are absorbed into body cells

Question 7

Egestion

Answer 7

Process where food which cannot be digested goes out of the anus

Question 8

What are Enzymes?

Answer 8

Enzymes are special protein molecules. They speed up reactions, such as digestion

Question 9

What do enzymes do?

Answer 9

In digestion, enzymes help break the bonds that hold big insoluble molecules together. This produces smaller soluble molecules. These can then be absorbed into the bloodstream.