12. (a) (i) Distinguish between mechanical and chemical digestion - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 12 - 2008
Question 12
12.
(a) (i) Distinguish between mechanical and chemical digestion.
(ii) Name a structure in the human digestive system, other than teeth, which is involved in mec... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:12. (a) (i) Distinguish between mechanical and chemical digestion - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 12 - 2008
Step 1
Distinguish between mechanical and chemical digestion.
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Answer
Mechanical digestion refers to the physical processes that break down food into smaller pieces, such as chewing, grinding, or churning. In contrast, chemical digestion involves enzymatic action that breaks down food at a molecular level, resulting in the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones.
Step 2
Name a structure in the human digestive system, other than teeth, which is involved in mechanical digestion.
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Answer
The tongue is a structure in the human digestive system that aids in mechanical digestion by mixing food with saliva and helping to form it into a bolus for swallowing.
Step 3
Name the parts A, B, C, D, E and F.
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A = esophagus, B = stomach, C = small intestine, D = rectum, E = appendix, F = large intestine or colon.
Step 4
Describe two functions of bile in relation to digestion.
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Bile plays a crucial role in digestion by emulsifying fats, breaking them into smaller droplets to increase the surface area for enzyme action. Additionally, bile helps to neutralize the acidic contents from the stomach, raising the pH in the small intestine to facilitate optimal enzyme activity.
Step 5
Answer the following in relation to a lipase: 1. Where is it secreted?
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Lipase is secreted by the pancreas.
Step 6
Answer the following in relation to a lipase: 2. Where does it act?
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Lipase acts primarily in the small intestine.
Step 7
Answer the following in relation to a lipase: 3. What is the approximate pH at its site of action?
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The approximate pH at the site of action for lipase in the small intestine is around 6 to 8, which is slightly alkaline.
Step 8
What are symbiotic bacteria?
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Answer
Symbiotic bacteria are microorganisms that live in or on another organism and provide a mutual benefit, often aiding in digestion or producing essential nutrients.
Step 9
Give two activities of symbiotic bacteria in the human digestive system.
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Answer
Symbiotic bacteria assist in the digestion of complex carbohydrates and produce vitamins, such as Vitamin K, that benefit the human host.
Step 10
Name the part(s) of the digestive system in which the following are absorbed into the blood: 1. the products of digestion.
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Answer
The products of digestion are primarily absorbed in the small intestine.
Step 11
Name the part(s) of the digestive system in which the following are absorbed into the blood: 2. water.
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Water is absorbed mainly in the large intestine.
Step 12
Name a process involved in the passage of the products of digestion into the blood.
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Diffusion is a key process involved in the passage of the products of digestion into the blood.
Step 13
Explain how the structure that you have named in (iii) 1. is adapted for the absorption of the products of digestion.
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The small intestine is adapted for absorption through its large surface area created by villi and microvilli, which increase the efficiency of nutrient uptake. Additionally, the presence of a rich blood supply ensures that absorbed nutrients are quickly transported into the bloodstream.
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