The Function of Digestion - Hapara

The Function of Digestion Lesson 1  Learning Goals Today I will… ❏ use appropriate terminology related to animal anatomy; ❏ explain the anatomy of the digestive system and the importance of digestion in providing nutrients needed for energy and growth. Macromolecules & Living Systems The 3 ma...

The Function of Digestion Lesson 1  Learning Goals Today I will… ❏ use appropriate terminology related to animal anatomy; ❏ explain the anatomy of the digestive system and the importance of digestion in providing nutrients needed for energy and growth. Macromolecules & Living Systems The 3 main fluid compartments of the body: ○ Cytoplasm (inside cells) ○ Interstitial fluid (fluid between cells) ○ Fluid in blood plasma Compartments also contain and are composed of thousands of inorganic, non-living ions and molecules (i.e. water, phosphates, hydrogen ions, sodium ions). Fluids move in and out of cells freely and in both directions. Macromolecules Molecules, which are organic, contain carbon and hydrogen bonds (which can be bonded to other atoms such as O, N, and S). Larger more complex assemblies of organic molecules are called macromolecules, also known as nutrients. Nutrients are the raw materials that our bodies need to provide energy, regulate cellular activities, and to build and repair tissues. Macromolecules perform a wide range of jobs in an organism. Some carbohydrates store fuel for future energy needs, and some lipids are key structural components of cell membranes. Nucleic acids store and transfer hereditary information, much of which provides instructions for making proteins. Some proteins provide structural support, but many are like little machines that carry out specific jobs in a cell, such as catalyzing The Digestive System All cells in the human body require energy generated from food to function. Heterotrophs (like humans) rely on consuming other organisms to access these nutrients. Food for Energy Nutrients provide energy that fuel all biological processes and physical activity. All organisms require chemical energy in order to perform basic life functions. Cellular Respiration glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + ATP C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP Nutrients Macronutrients: required in large quantities (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) Micronutrients: required in small quantities (vitamins and minerals) Water is also required Metabolism A set of chemical reactions that take place inside living organisms that are necessary to maintain life. Macronutrients Breaking Down Macronutrients Macronutrients come in the form of monomers and polymers (made of many monomers). The digestive system breaks them down into Carbohydrates Main source of energy. Made of C, H, and O. Examples: glucose, fructose, lactose, maltose, starch, glycogen, cellulose Carbohydrates and Diet ~ 55% of daily calories should come from carbohydrates. Carb-rich food: grains, fruits, and vegetables. Too many carbohydrates in the diet can lead to high blood sugar and weight gain (excess carbs are converted to lipids and stored as fats). Proteins Large, complex molecules made of amino acids. The type, sequence, and folding of the protein gives it unique properties There are 20 amino acids ○ 11 of them are manufactured by our body ○ 9 must come from our diet and are called essential amino acids. Examples: insulin, hemoglobin, collagen, Protein Functions Structure and support for cells and tissues Enzymes and hormones that control various functions in our body Transport oxygen (hemoglobin) Antibodies in the immune system An energy source if Proteins in Diet Animal: eggs, meat, fish and cheese Plant: beans, lentils, seeds, and nuts *usually lack at least one essential amino acid Should be used for 10-30% of a person's energy needs Lipids Fats and oils are made of 3 fatty acids bonded to a glycerol molecule = triglyceride. Saturated fats: usually solid at room temperature Ex. meat, butter Unsaturated fats: liquid at room temperature Ex. avocado, olive oil, fish oil Lipid Functions Long-term energy storage Energy source Build cell membranes Hormones (ex. Estrogen and testosterone) Insulation Lipids in Diet Some fatty acids must come from diet (Ex. omega 3). Important in maintaining good health, preventing heart disease and arthritis. Found in fish, oil, and nuts. Micronutrients Vitamins Organic substances needed daily for more function and growth Do not provide calories. Fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) - don't dissolve in water, are stored in tissues Vitamins B and C are Minerals Ions of elements found on the periodic table; found in both plant and animal tissues Examples: ○ Calcium - strong bones, teeth, heart beat, blood clotting ○ Potassium - balance fluids and heart health ○ Iron - red blood cells (hemoglobin) Water Your body is about 60% water Many chemical reactions require water Used to maintain blood volume and regulate temperature Required for hydrolysis Functions of the Digestive System Ingestion: taking food and water into the body. Digestion: breaking down food into useable macronutrients; can be mechanical or chemical Absorption: movement of nutrients from the alimentary canal to the bloodstream Elimination: removal of undigested