Question

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
In the process of digestion, carbohydrates are converted to, proteins to, fat to and, and nucleic acids to_____.

Answer 1

The process of taking food and using it to derive energy for metabolic processes is divided into several nutritional stages. These nutritional stages convert complex molecules into simple molecules for better assimilation. Nucleic acids are broken down into its monomers.

Complete answer: “In the process of digestion, carbohydrates are converted to monosaccharides, proteins to amino acids, fat to fatty acids and glycerol, and nucleic acids to nucleotides.” The nucleotides produced by this digestion are further broken down by two intestinal brush border enzymes (nucleosidase and phosphatase) into pentoses, phosphates, and nitrogenous bases, which can be absorbed through the alimentary canal wall. Nutrition in humans is divided into five nutritional stages which are as follows:
A. Ingestion: Initially the food is ingested and broken down by chewing and grinding, then the food is swallowed that sends it to the digestive tract by peristaltic movements.
B. Digestion: The complex substances are broken down into simpler ones that can be assimilated into the body tissues. The carbohydrates are broken down into monosaccharides, proteins are converted into amino acids, fats to fatty acids and glycerol, and nucleic acids are converted to nucleotides.
C. Absorption: This process mainly takes place in the small intestine because it has finger-like projections known as villi that increase the surface area for the absorption of nutrients.
D. Assimilation: After digestion and absorption, chemicals from the food are taken into the cells of the body. The nutrients are transported by the blood to the required cells of the body.
E. Egestion: The process of removal of undigested food materials in form of faeces from the anus is known as egestion.

Note: The process of obtaining food substances and then using it for producing energy that can be used for several metabolic processes such as growth and repair of the body is known as nutrition. This process is divided into several stages and it takes place in the alimentary canal of the body.