Nutrition Overview: Macronutrients & Micronutrients

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Questions and Answers

What role does amylase play in the digestive process?

It starts breaking down starch into maltose. (correct)

It breaks down proteins into amino acids.

It neutralizes stomach acid.

It emulsifies fats into smaller droplets.

What is the function of bile in the digestive system?

To emulsify fats into smaller droplets. (correct)

To break down carbohydrates into sugars.

To neutralize stomach acid.

To initiate protein digestion.

Which structure in the small intestine increases the surface area for nutrient absorption?

Microvilli and villi (correct)

Gastric glands

Pyloric valve

Esophageal sphincter

What happens to undigested material in the digestive system?

It passes into the large intestine for water reabsorption. Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme does the pancreas secrete to assist in fat digestion?

Lipase Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the incisors in the digestive system?

Cut food Signup and view all the answers

How does the stomach contribute to both physical and chemical digestion?

Churns food and secretes gastric juices Signup and view all the answers

What role does bile play in digestion?

Emulsifies fats Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the small intestine is primarily responsible for nutrient absorption?

Jejunum Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the large intestine?

Absorb water and salts Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme produced by the pancreas helps in the digestion of starches?

Amylase Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the gallbladder to release bile?

Presence of fats in the small intestine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the rectum in the digestive system?

Store feces temporarily Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the diet?

Quick energy Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient is essential for muscle building?

Amino acids Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with a vegan diet?

Vitamin B12 deficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary product of the digestion of proteins in the stomach?

Peptides Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down starch into maltose?

Amylase Signup and view all the answers

What food source is high in Vitamin C?

Citrus fruits Signup and view all the answers

What does a non-vegetarian diet primarily include?

Both meat and plant-based foods Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient is crucial for maintaining bone strength?

Calcium Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Macronutrients

Carbohydrates:
- Sources: Bread, rice, pasta
- Function: Quick energy
- Example: Glucose → ATP
Proteins:
- Sources: Meat, beans, eggs
- Function: Growth, repair, enzymes
- Example: Amino acids → Muscle building
Fats:
- Sources: Butter, nuts, oils
- Function: Long-term energy, insulation
- Example: Fatty acids & Glycerol

Micronutrients

Vitamins:
- Vitamin C: Boosts immunity (Sources: Citrus fruits)
- Vitamin D: Bone health (Sources: Sunlight, fish)
Minerals:
- Iron: Red blood cells (Sources: Spinach)
- Calcium: Bone strength (Sources: Milk, kale)

Macronutrients vs Micronutrients

Macronutrients: Required in large amounts. Examples: protein, fat, carbohydrates, and water.
Micronutrients: Required in small amounts. Examples: Vitamins and certain minerals.

Diet Comparisons

Vegan: Made up of only plant-based foods. Pros: Environmentally friendly, ethical. Cons: Risk of B12 deficiency, limited protein sources, may lack protein variety
Vegetarian: Diet that does not contain meat. Pros: Balance of ethics and nutrition. Cons: May lack protein variety
Non-Vegetarian: Diet that contains both meat and plant-based foods. Pros: Complete protein, rich in iron. Cons: High cholesterol risk, not sustainable

Key Digestive Enzymes

Amylase: Starch → Maltose (Saliva & Pancreas)
Pepsin: Proteins → Peptides (Stomach)
Lipase: Fats → Fatty acids & Glycerol (Pancreas)

Digestive System: Mouth

Teeth: Physical digestion (chewing)
Saliva: Chemical digestion, contains amylase which breaks down starch into maltose.

Digestive System: Tongue

Helps mix food with saliva
Rolls food into a bolus for easier swallowing

Digestive System: Oesophagus

Function: Muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Moves food through peristalsis, wave-like muscular contractions

Digestive System: Stomach

Temporarily stores food and mixes with gastric juices.
Physical digestion: Churns food
Chemical digestion:
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl): Kills bacteria, provides acidic environment for enzymes (e.g., pepsin).
- Pepsin: Breaks down proteins.
- Mucus: Protects stomach walls from acid.

Digestive System: Liver

Produces bile that emulsifies fats (breaks them into smaller droplets) for easier digestion.
Stores and releases nutrients(glucose, vitamins, minerals).
Detoxifies harmful substances in the blood.

Digestive System: Gallbladder

Stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver.
Releases bile into the small intestine when fats are present.

Digestive System: Pancreas

Produces digestive enzymes:
- Amylase: Breaks down starch into maltose
- Lipase: Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol
- Trypsin: Breaks down proteins into smaller peptides
Produces sodium bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid in the small intestine

Digestive System: Small Intestine

Divided into three parts: duodenum, jejunum, ileum
Receives bile and pancreatic juices for chemical digestion.
Nutrients absorbed into the bloodstream (sugars, amino acids, fatty acids).
Villi and microvilli increase surface area for maximum absorption

Digestive System: Large Intestine (Colon)

Absorbs water and salts from undigested food.
Forms and stores solid waste (feces).
Houses bacteria that produce Vitamin K and break down undigested carbohydrates (fiber).

Digestive System: Rectum

Stores feces until defecation

Digestive System: Anus

Opening through which waste exits the body, controlled by internal and external sphincter muscles.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential components of nutrition, focusing on macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. It also explains their sources, functions, and the differences between macronutrients and micronutrients. Understand the importance of a balanced diet in your health.