Bio. 30S: Digestion & Nutrition Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive review flashcards covering anatomy of the digestive system, mechanical vs. chemical digestion, enzymes, hormone regulation, nutrient classes, and food label analysis for Bio. 30S.

What role do the enzymes secreted by the pancreas play in the digestive process?

Pancreatic enzymes break down food into smaller pieces so your body can absorb and use the nutrients.

What is the relationship between the liver, the gallbladder, and bile?

The liver makes bile, the gallbladder stores it, and bile helps break down fats in food.

Which major nutrient category provides the most energy-rich nutrients and serves to insulate the body from cold?

Fats.

Which class of nutrients includes sugars, starches, and cellulose, and is broken down into glucose, fructose, and other simple sugars?

Carbohydrates.

Which nutrients are broken down into amino acids and are normally used for building muscle, but can also be used for energy?

Proteins.

What mechanical digestive functions are carried out by the mouth, esophagus, and stomach during digestion preparation?

The mouth performs chewing, the esophagus transports food via peristalsis, and the stomach performs churning to create chyme.

According to the nutrition facts for Kellogg's Frosted Strawberry toaster pastries, what are the caloric and carbohydrate values per one pastry ($52\,\text{g}$) serving?

One pastry provides $200$ calories ($45$ calories from fat), $38\,\text{g}$ of total carbohydrates ($13\%$ Daily Value), $0\,\text{g}$ of dietary fiber, and $16\,\text{g}$ of sugars.

What is pepsin, and what specific environment does it require to function?

Pepsin is a protein-digesting enzyme that only works in an acidic environment.

What are the four sequential steps that make up the entire process of digestion?

First ingesting food, then digesting it into simpler compounds, then absorbing nutrients for use by body cells, and finally eliminating wastes.

How does the mechanical process of chewing food assist in digestion?

By chewing food, you increase its surface area.

Which enzyme is secreted by the salivary glands in the mouth, and what nutrient does it begin breaking down?

The enzyme amylase is released by the salivary glands to begin the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates.

How do minerals and vitamins differ in their chemical composition and bodily roles?

Minerals are inorganic substances that help build tissue or take part in chemical reactions, whereas vitamins are organic nutrients that help regulate body processes.

How is the energy content of food measured, and how many calories does each unit contain?

The energy content of food is measured in kilocalories, each of which is equal to $1000$ calories.

According to the Bio. 30S digestive notes, what is the only way to lose weight?

The only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume.

What type of muscular contraction moves food through the digestive tract via peristalsis?

Involuntary rhythmic waves of muscle contractions move food through the digestive tract.

How can cholesterol secreted by the liver lead to digestive issues involving the gallbladder and the common bile duct?

Cholesterol can cause the gallbladder to produce gallstones; if these gallstones block the common bile duct leading to the duodenum, bile flow is obstructed, impairing the digestion and breakdown of fats.

What is the primary function of the microvilli in the small intestine?

Microvilli help the small intestine absorb nutrients from digested food into the blood.

How do the pancreatic hormones insulin and glucagon regulate blood glucose levels?

Insulin lowers blood sugar by helping cells absorb glucose and signaling the liver to take in glucose, while glucagon raises blood sugar by telling the liver to release glucose.

What are the six main nutrients identified in the Bio. 30S curriculum?

Carbohydrates, lipids (fats), proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.

What date is listed for the Digestion and Nutrition Unit Test on the Bio. 30S study guide?

Thursday, Nov 3, 2026.