Nutrition, Digestion, and Absorption

These flashcards cover key concepts related to nutrition, digestion, and absorption based on the lecture notes.

What is the difference between a calorie and a Calorie in nutrition?

A calorie (lowercase 'c') is the amount of heat needed to raise 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius, while a Calorie (uppercase 'C') is equivalent to 1 kilocalorie (kcal), equal to 1,000 calories.

What are essential amino acids and how must they be obtained?

Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet.

What are the two types of vitamins and how do they differ?

Water-soluble vitamins are eliminated in urine if in excess, while fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate to toxic levels in body fat and the liver.

What is the role of bile in digestion?

Bile aids in the emulsification of fats and facilitates their digestion.

What is peristalsis?

Peristalsis is the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

What is the function of the liver in digestion?

The liver stores and releases molecules that fuel metabolism and detoxifies harmful substances.

What is the enteric nervous system?

The enteric nervous system is a complex network of neurons in the gut responsible for communication within the digestive system.

How do herbivores adapt to their diet?

Herbivores have specialized adaptations for processing low-energy, hard-to-digest plant material, including unique digestive enzymes and physical adaptations.

What is the difference between Type I and Type II Diabetes?

Type I diabetes is characterized by the pancreas not producing insulin, while Type II diabetes involves insufficient insulin production or improper utilization.

What role do gut microbiota play in digestion?

Gut microbiota help in digestion by fermenting food and producing essential nutrients like vitamin K and biotin.