Double Science Biology - Mammals As Consumers

Mammal

A warm-blooded vertebrate animal that often has hair or fur, produces milk for its young, and typically gives birth to live young.

Nutrient

A substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.

Ingestion

The process of taking food into the body through the mouth.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food by mechanical and chemical action into substances that can be absorbed.

Absorption

The process by which the products of digestion are transferred into the body’s internal environment, enabling them to reach the cells.

Assimilation

The process whereby absorbed nutrients are converted into the fluid or solid substances of the body.

Egestion

The removal of waste products from the digestive system.

Peristalsis

The wave-like contraction and relaxation of muscles in the digestive system so that the contents are pushed through the system.

Villi

Finger-like projections found in the small intestine. An adaptation to increase the surface area of the intestine to aid absorption.

Bile

A greenish-brown alkaline fluid that aids digestion and is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.

Enzyme

A protein produced by living cells that acts as a catalyst in specific biochemical reactions. Has an active site specific to a substrate.

Denature

To change a protein (especially enzymes) by chemical or physical means, such as the action of acids or heat, so that it no longer functions.

Duodenum

The first section of the small intestine between the stomach and the jejunum. The bile duct and pancreatic duct are found here.

Ileum

The section of small intestine between the duodenum and the caecum (large intestine).

Colon

The part of the large intestine extending from the end of the small intestine to the rectum.

Circulatory system

The system that circulates blood and lymph through the body, consisting of the heart, blood vessels, blood, lymph and lymph vessels.

Artery

A blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.

Vein

A blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood to the heart from the body. Capillary

Aerobic respiration

The process in which glucose is converted into CO2 and H2O in the presence of oxygen, releasing large amounts of energy (ATP).

Anaerobic respiration

The process in which glucose is converted into small amounts of energy (ATP) in the absence of oxygen.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

ATP is the molecule that provides the energy in the cells of all living things.