Digestion and Macromolecules

Flashcards based on lecture notes about macromolecules and the human digestive system.

What are macromolecules?

Large molecules the body needs for energy, growth, and repair. They are polymers made of monomers.

Name the four types of macromolecules.

Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids

What is the function of monosaccharides, and give an example?

Quick energy; Glucose

What is the function of polysaccharides, and give examples?

Long-term energy storage; Starch, Glycogen

How much more energy do lipids store compared to carbohydrates?

2.25x more energy

What are the functions of lipids?

Energy storage and cell membranes (phospholipids)

What are the functions of proteins?

Build and repair muscles, enzymes, immunity (antibodies)

Name the four levels of protein structure.

Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

What is the function of nucleic acids?

Store genetic info (DNA) and protein synthesis (RNA)

What is the role of enzymes in digestion?

Speed up the breakdown of food (hydrolysis)

What does amylase break down, and where is it located?

Carbohydrates into simple sugars; Mouth

What does lipase break down, and where is it located?

Lipids into glycerol and fatty acids; Small intestine (pancreatic lipase)

What does protease break down, and where is it located?

Proteins into amino acids; Stomach (pepsin)

What is the function of minerals in the body?

Help reactions, tissues, and growth

List the four stages of digestion.

Ingestion, Digestion, Absorption, Elimination

What occurs during the digestion stage?

Mechanical and chemical breakdown of food

What enzyme is present in saliva and what does it break down?

Amylase, breaks down starch into sugar

What is peristalsis?

Wave-like muscle contractions that move the bolus through the esophagus

What is the function of mucus in the stomach?

Protects stomach lining from acid

What is chyme?

Thick liquid formed in the stomach from food and gastric juices

Name the three parts of the small intestine.

Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum

What is the function of villi and microvilli in the small intestine?

Absorb nutrients

What is the function of the pancreas as an accessory organ?

Produces enzymes (lipase, protease, carbohydrase) and bicarbonate (raises pH)

What is the function of the liver as an accessory organ?

Makes bile (breaks fat into droplets)

What is the function of the gallbladder?

Stores bile and releases it into the duodenum

Where are fatty acids and glycerol reassembled as fats?

In the blood

What is the main function of the large intestine?

Reabsorbs water

Describe the causes/symptoms and treatments for peptic ulcers.

Stomach acid + bacteria (H. pylori) wear away lining; Antibiotics, antacids, lifestyle changes

Describe the causes/symptoms and treatments for constipation.

Fewer than 3 bowel movements/week, dry stools; Water, fiber, activity

Describe the causes/symptoms and treatments for hepatitis.

Liver inflammation from viruses (A = water, B = sexual, C = blood)

What is cirrhosis and what causes it?

Liver damage (scars) from alcohol or hepatitis

What are gallstones and how are they treated?

Hardened cholesterol stones in gallbladder; Meds, ultrasound, removal surgery

What are the treatment options for diabetes?

Insulin injections, diet control

What is the function of endoscopy in digestion?

Uses a tiny camera to see inside the digestive tract, diagnose, and remove ulcers, tumors, etc.