Digestive system : Omnivores and Carnivores

What are the main nutrients that animals need?

Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats, Minerals, Vitamins

What is the primary function of glucose in cellular respiration?

To be converted into ATP for energy.

How do ruminants digest plants compared to equids?

Ruminants digest plants before their stomach, while equids digest plants after their stomach.

What is a characteristic of omnivores in managed ecosystems?

They consume both plant and animal matter.

What dietary adaptations do carnivores have?

Carnivores are designed to metabolize meat protein and have low production of amylase.

Why can't cats be vegan?

Cats are obligate carnivores and poorly digest starch and sugar.

What is cellulose and why is it significant for omnivores?

Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls, which omnivores cannot effectively digest.

What role do microbes play in the digestion of cellulose in omnivores?

Microbes use cellulase to break down cellulose in the large intestine, but omnivores have a limited microbial population.

What are some methods omnivores use to enhance the digestibility of plant components?

Grinding, cooking, and processing plant materials.

What is gluconeogenesis?

The process of converting amino acids' carbon skeletons into glucose, primarily occurring in the liver.

What is the energy cost of gluconeogenesis compared to glycolysis?

Gluconeogenesis costs 6 ATP, while glycolysis costs 2 ATP but generates 4 ATP.

What happens to amino acids during gluconeogenesis?

They are deaminated and their carbon skeletons are converted to glucose.

What is the significance of VFAs produced in the large intestine?

They can be utilized by omnivores, although they are not glucose.

What is the primary difference in digestive efficiency between carnivores and omnivores?

Carnivores are designed to metabolize meat, while omnivores have a less efficient system for breaking down cellulose.

What is the role of the large intestine in omnivores?

It serves as a site for limited fermentation and microbial activity to aid in digestion.

What happens to plant cellulose in the digestive system of omnivores?

It is not well broken down due to an inadequate microbial population.

What are some essential nutrient requirements for omnivores?

Amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

How do carnivores produce glucose if they consume primarily meat?

They convert amino acids to glucose through gluconeogenesis.

What adaptations do omnivores have for digesting plant materials?

They develop limited symbiosis with microorganisms that can digest plant material.

What is a potential consequence of omnivores consuming plants?

They may not effectively digest cellulose, leading to inefficient nutrient absorption.

What is the importance of processing plant components for omnivores?

Processing increases the digestibility and nutrient availability of plant materials.

What is the difference between obligate carnivores and omnivores?

Obligate carnivores must eat meat, while omnivores can consume both plant and animal matter.