Metabolic Reactions Unit

organ

a part of the body composed of different tissues that work together to perform specific functions

small intestine

a coiled tube connecting the stomach and large intestine; it is the site where food molecules are broken down and nutrients are absorbed

absorption

the process where broken down nutrients, water, and minerals pass from the small intestine into the bloodstream

glucose

a simple sugar with the chemical formula C6H12O6

starch

a complex carbohydrate

carbohydrates

food molecules containing C, H, and O atoms

fiber

a tough complex carbohydrate that the body cannot digest

digestion

a chemical reaction to break down food

villi

finger-like structures that line the small intestine

cells

small structures that act like doors, letting food molecules into the bloodstream

tissue

a collection of similar cells that form a structure

fuel

any material/matter that can react with other substances so that it releases energy

cellular respiration

the process by which cells break down glucose (sugar) in the presence of oxygen to release energy

mitochondria

the cell organelles where most stages of cellular respiration take place

ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

a molecule that carries energy that cells can use

metabolism

the set of chemical reactions in organisms that convert food into energy, build cell molecules, and eliminate waste