Deck 27: Nutrition and Digestion

Question 1

Minerals are

A) organic compounds.
B) required in small amounts.
C) not harmful to humans when ingested in large amounts.
D) created by chemical reactions within cells.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Which of the following statements about human digestion is true?

A) We are able to directly absorb most large nutrient molecules,such as starch.
B) We must process nutrients in order to absorb them.
C) The absorptive surface of our gut lets all materials pass through it into the bloodstream.
D) The human gut is able to absorb complex proteins easily.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Which of the following packs the most calories per gram?

A) carbohydrates
B) proteins
C) fats
D) amino acids

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Not all parts of the food that humans ingest are used by our bodies.Fiber,consisting mostly of cellulose,for instance,is excreted without providing nutrition.Which of the following statements explains why fiber is NOT used as a nutrient in humans?

A) The human gut is unable to break it down;thus,it cannot be absorbed across the intestinal cells' membranes.
B) Fiber is an amino acid but not one of the essential amino acids,so we do not need to absorb it as a nutrient.
C) The fiber content of human foods is so low that it is not worthwhile for our bodies to expend energy to extract its nutrients.
D) The fiber is digested into such small molecules that they become nutritionally insignificant.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT one of the three elements that provide the framework for the complex organic compounds that characterize life?

A) carbon
B) iron
C) hydrogen
D) oxygen

Question 6

Organisms need energy to carry out life processes,but they also must use energy simply to gather nutrients.Which of the following statements must be true in order for an organism to live?

A) The amount of energy ingested in proteins must equal the amount of energy ingested in carbohydrates.
B) If the amount of energy used for life processes is low,the organism must ingest extra nutrients in order to produce body heat.
C) The amount of energy used to gather nutrients must be more than the amount of energy used to carry out life processes.
D) The amount of energy used for life processes,including nutrient gathering,must be less than the amount of energy captured from the environment.

Question 7

An individual who wishes to avoid getting ill during the wintertime experiments by significantly boosting vitamin intake by taking multiple vitamin supplements.This action could

A) help the individual live decades longer.
B) be dangerous because some elements are only needed in small amounts for the human body.
C) help the individual to look decades younger.
D) reduce the individual's fiber intake.

Question 8

If you were a bird about to embark on a long migratory journey,which of the following would you want to have stored in large quantities?

A) sugars
B) proteins
C) fats
D) vitamins

Question 9

Which pair of elements would make up more of your body weight than any of the other pairs below?

A) sodium and chlorine
B) carbon and oxygen
C) phosphorus and magnesium
D) potassium and iodine

Question 10

Which amino acids are humans unable to synthesize?

A) all amino acids
B) most of the essential amino acids
C) unnecessary amino acids
D) essential amino acids

Question 11

If a person wishes to lose weight,he or she must

A) expend more kcals of heat energy compared to the kcals of potential energy ingested.
B) conserve more kcals of heat energy compared to the kcals of potential energy ingested.
C) eat more lipids due to their lower kcal/g ratio.
D) become a vegetarian and cut protein from his or her diet.

Question 12

A major concern in public health is the intake of too much ________,thus leading many people to have ________,which can damage ________.

A) iodine;goiter;muscles
B) zinc;depression;nerves
C) table salt;high blood pressure;kidneys
D) calcium;osteoporosis;bones

Question 13

Which one of the following food sources would be eaten by carnivores?

A) apples
B) Girl Scout cookies
C) mushrooms
D) deer

Question 14

Omnivores have

A) flat front teeth.
B) sharp back teeth.
C) flat teeth throughout the mouth.
D) a combination of both sharp and flat teeth.

Question 15

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to seasonal affective disorder,a condition that leads to depression in the winter.Would you expect dark-skinned people to be more or less prone to seasonal affective disorder?

A) Dark-skinned people are probably less likely to have this disorder because they tend to eat foods that are higher in vitamin D.
B) Dark-skinned people are probably less likely to have this disorder because they have evolved enzymes that are more efficient at producing vitamin D.
C) Dark-skinned people are probably more likely to have this disorder as the pigments in their skin block out the sunlight needed to make vitamin D.
D) Dark-skinned people are probably more likely to have this disorder because the pigments in their skin allow sunlight to pass and destroy vitamin D that has been obtained through diet.

Question 16

The most likely potential problem faced by a person who is following a low-protein diet is the failure to

A) take in enough organic compounds to produce the energy necessary for life functions.
B) take in enough essential amino acids.
C) take in enough calories to survive.
D) make the mineral nutrients necessary to live.

Question 17

Which of the following statements about fat digestion is FALSE?

A) Fat molecules are too large to cross the gut wall.
B) Fats dissolve poorly in the watery mass of food moving through the gut.
C) Fats are difficult to absorb.
D) Fats cannot be broken down into smaller molecules.

Question 18

Which of the following reasons best explains why starch molecules must be broken down before they can be absorbed by the small intestine?

A) They are toxic to the cells of the small intestine.
B) They are too large to pass through the plasma membrane of the intestinal cells.
C) They must be broken down in order to extract the essential amino acids they contain.
D) The cells of the small intestine are much too small to contain them.

Question 19

The eight essential amino acids required by adult humans

A) are produced by the human body.
B) can be obtained by eating any one type of vegetable.
C) are not found in meat products.
D) are used as building blocks for human proteins.

Question 20

The empty label in the following scheme most likely should read

A) carbohydrates.
B) fiber.
C) all broken-down materials.
D) all usable nutrients.

Question 21

The function of the esophagus is to

A) break down food physically.
B) break down food chemically.
C) carry food to the stomach.
D) prepare undigested material and waste for disposal.

Question 22

As nutrients move across an intestinal villus,capillaries absorb

A) amino acids and sugars.
B) fats.
C) lymph vessels.
D) monoglycerides.

Question 23

The gallbladder

A) stores bile.
B) secretes digestive enzymes.
C) breaks down fats.
D) absorbs fats.

Question 24

The lower region of the small intestine is structured to create large amounts of surface area so that it can more efficiently

A) produce enzymes to break food down into smaller molecules.
B) grind food down into smaller molecules.
C) absorb the chemical building blocks produced by digestion.
D) eliminate waste products.

Question 25

The images below are illustrating the ________ intestine lined with ________ in order to increase nutrient absorption.

A) small;villi
B) large;villi
C) small;cilia
D) large;flagella

Question 26

Food passing through our digestive tract would contain the fewest nutrients in the

A) small intestine.
B) stomach.
C) colon.
D) esophagus.

Question 27

The main function of enzymes in the human digestive tract is to

A) create the chemical bonds that form complex carbohydrates.
B) ensure that fats remain grouped together in large droplets.
C) catalyze chemical reactions that break specific chemical bonds in food molecules.
D) neutralize the acids produced by the stomach.

Question 28

The liver secretes bile to the

A) pancreas.
B) small intestine.
C) gallbladder.
D) large intestine.

Question 29

Why do sheep have a much longer small intestine relative to their size than wolves do?

A) Sheep are generally larger than wolves and the larger the animal,the larger the relative size of its small intestine.
B) Wolves have sharper teeth than sheep,so they do not need to absorb food only through their small intestines.
C) Sheep eat relatively nutrient-poor food,and a long intestine allows more complete absorption of the available nutrients.
D) Wolves have a simple stomach,whereas the sheep stomach is fairly complex.

Question 30

The enzyme that works well in the acidic environment of the stomach is

A) trypsin.
B) pepsin.
C) amylase.
D) rennin.

Question 31

The human liver produces bile,a substance that

A) aids in the absorption of vitamin K.
B) allows fats to dissolve more easily in the watery contents of the gut.
C) neutralizes the acids produced by pepsin.
D) breaks the bonds between amino acids.

Question 32

Which of the following does NOT occur in the colon?

A) absorption of minerals
B) breakdown of fats and carbohydrates
C) absorption of water
D) vitamin production by prokaryotic organisms

Question 33

The figure below shows four types of nutrients that are absorbable by animal cells.

Which of the above molecules could be absorbed by the digestive tract without further digestion by enzymes?

A) polysaccharide
B) disaccharide
C) protein
D) monoglyceride

Question 34

The journey of a potato chip through our digestive tract would be mouth to

A) esophagus to stomach to liver to small intestine to large intestine to anus.
B) esophagus to stomach to small intestine to large intestine to anus.
C) stomach to esophagus to pancreas to small intestine to large intestine to anus.
D) esophagus to stomach to large intestine to small intestine to anus.

Question 35

Pepsin helps digest

A) proteins.
B) glucose.
C) amino acids.
D) fats.

Question 36

How rapidly an organism can absorb nutrients generally depends on

A) the surface area available for absorption.
B) how quickly the nutrients can diffuse into the stomach.
C) the passive mechanisms that carry the nutrients into the organism.
D) the volume of the organism taking up the nutrients.

Question 37

The first enzymes that food encounters in our body are in our

A) mouth.
B) esophagus.
C) pancreas.
D) small intestine.

Question 38

Which of the following steps of digestion does NOT occur in the mouth?

A) chemical breakdown by enzymes
B) mechanical breakdown
C) ingestion
D) absorption

Question 39

Consider the parts of the digestive system,particularly the place where water is removed before feces are excreted.Which organ is most likely responsible for a bout of diarrhea?

A) colon
B) anus
C) stomach
D) esophagus

Question 40

Which of the following would NOT be found in the lower small intestine?

A) a brush border
B) villi
C) a large surface area
D) a low pH

Question 41

The majority of adult humans CANNOT digest dairy products because

A) food preservatives block the natural digestion of dairy in the digestive tract.
B) they do not carry the allele that allows continued production of lactase enzyme.
C) hormone fluctuations at puberty permanently inhibit certain digestive processes.
D) adults have less bacteria in their small intestines compared to infants.

Question 42

In which of the following animals would you expect to find the longest small intestine relative to its total body size?

A) a lion
B) a horse
C) a human
D) a wolf

Question 43

Vitamins are either water soluble or ________ soluble.

Question 44

________ are NOT nutrients,do NOT provide us with energy,and are required only in small quantities;however,they help regulate metabolic processes.

Question 45

Some animals have part of their guts modified into a muscular area that grinds food against small pebbles or sand grains collected from the environment.Which of the following statements about this area is FALSE?

A) It is the area where the chemical breakdown of food takes place.
B) It is known as a gizzard.
C) It helps large food items become small enough to enter the digestive system of the animal.
D) It helps speed digestion by increasing the surface area of the food particles,which speeds their breakdown.

Question 46

Which of the following is FALSE?

A) A sheep has a small intestine about six times longer than that of a wolf.
B) A wolf has a single-chambered stomach,but a sheep's stomach has four chambers.
C) A wolf's teeth are made for tearing and some chewing and a sheep's teeth are made mostly for grinding.
D) A wolf's colon contains bacteria that digest cellulose,and a sheep's stomach produces enzymes that digest cellulose.

Question 47

When humans who lack a particular enzyme consume products made from cow's milk,they suffer digestive problems.The enzyme is

A) pepsin.
B) lactase.
C) chymotrypsin.
D) amylase.

Question 48

The main reason that proteins are an important part of your diet is that they are a source of ________,the building blocks of the enzymes that run your cells.

Question 49

Which of the following might be true of an omnivore?

A) An omnivore probably has spiked teeth for tearing and flat teeth for grinding.
B) An omnivore probably has a very complex stomach with many different chambers for housing microorganisms that break down cellulose.
C) An omnivore probably has a very short intestine because all the foods it consumes are easily absorbed.
D) An omnivore probably produces the enzyme that breaks down cellulose and pepsin.

Question 50

Humans can synthesize some of the amino acids we need.The ones we must obtain from our food are known as ________ amino acids.

Question 51

The nutrients in food enter our body by crossing through the epithelial cells lining the ________ intestine.

Question 52

Out of the four classes of organic compounds found in organisms,________ are capable of storing the largest amount of energy.

Question 53

Digestive ________,such as pepsin,break specific chemical bonds to help organisms process their food.

Question 54

The USDA food guidelines suggest a diet

A) low in carbohydrates and high in protein.
B) void of fats.
C) based on vegetarianism.
D) containing carbohydrates,proteins,and limited amounts of fats.

Question 55

In Third World countries,vitamin ________ are more common and lead to various diseases and disorders.

Question 56

The colon contains bacteria that produce ________,a small organic compound that is involved in blood clotting.

Question 57

The ________ is the organ that contracts to mix food particles with acid and enzymes,and also holds food until it can pass farther along for continued digestion.

Question 58

The major organ that supplies digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to the small intestine is the ________.

Question 59

What is the best way to control your weight and live longer?

A) Eat only foods high in protein.
B) Become a vegetarian.
C) Eat only foods high in carbohydrates.
D) Get plenty of exercise.

Question 60

Many ________,small inorganic compounds that are needed in trace amounts,are essential to the proper function of proteins.

Question 61

The enzyme lactase is found only in populations of people who suffer from lactose intolerance.

Question 62

Adult males are more likely to be lactose intolerant than adult females.

Question 63

Because they are NOT soluble in water,fats are digested in a different way than proteins and carbohydrates.

Question 64

Despite a high-calorie diet,some individuals are able to maintain a healthy weight and minimal cardiovascular risk by implementing more ________ into their daily routines.

Question 65

Omega-3 fatty acids are found primarily in red meat.

Question 66

Chemical digestion occurs inside of the organ indicated by the arrow in the figure below.

Question 67

Vegetarians should be careful to consume a variety of plants to ensure that they obtain all of their essential amino acids.

Question 68

Whole-grain foods are good components of a diet when trying to reduce cancer risk.

Question 69

In mammals,the mechanical breakdown of food involves teeth.In worms,the mechanical breakdown is accomplished by a ________.

Question 70

Because vitamins are so important to metabolism,it is important to ingest large amounts of them in the form of vitamin supplements.

Question 71

Prior to a sporting event,many competitors will ingest proteins for quick energy sources.

Question 72

Examine the photograph below of an animal skull.

The characteristics of this skull suggest that it belongs to a ________,the type of animal that consumes only ________.

Question 73

The natural production and absorption of many vitamins is regulated by negative feedback loops.

Question 74

Only guinea pigs,bats,the great apes,and humans must get vitamin C from their diets rather than synthesizing it themselves.

Question 75

Although cows are herbivores that specialize in consuming grass,they do NOT produce the enzyme needed to break down the long-chain plant carbohydrate ________.However,cows do house microorganisms in their guts that can make the enzyme for them.

Question 76

The large surface area of a sheep's small intestine allows the sheep to more efficiently absorb amino acids from the food it consumes.

Question 77

Food must be broken down chemically before nutrients in it can be absorbed.

Question 78

Vitamins are an essential source of energy.

Question 79

For most animals,cellulose is a good source of energy and fiber.

Question 80

The brush border in the small intestine decreases the amount of surface area available for absorption of nutrients.