Question

Identify the type of food as carbohydrate, fat, or protein that gives each of the following digestion products: a. glucose b. fatty acid c. maltose d. glycerol e. amino acids f. dextrins

Short answer

a. Carbohydrate, b. Fat, c. Carbohydrate, d. Fat, e. Protein, f. Carbohydrate

Step-by-step solution

Identify glucose digestion product type

Glucose is a simple sugar that is a primary product of carbohydrate digestion. Therefore, glucose is a carbohydrate.

Identify fatty acid digestion product type

Fatty acids are the breakdown products of fat digestion. Therefore, fatty acids are fats.

Identify maltose digestion product type

Maltose is a disaccharide sugar that is formed from the digestion of starch, a carbohydrate. Therefore, maltose is a carbohydrate.

Identify glycerol digestion product type

Glycerol is part of the structure of fats (triglycerides) and is released during fat digestion. Therefore, glycerol is a fat.

Identify amino acids digestion product type

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and result from protein digestion. Therefore, amino acids are proteins.

Identify dextrins digestion product type

Dextrins are intermediate products of starch digestion before breaking down into simpler sugars like glucose. Therefore, dextrins are carbohydrates.

Key concepts

Carbohydrates Digestion

Carbohydrates are one of the main types of nutrients, and they digested into simpler forms like sugars. The digestive process begins in the mouth, where the enzyme amylase is secreted by the saliva. It breaks down large carbohydrate molecules into smaller fragments. The process continues in the small intestine with the help of pancreatic amylase. The final products of carbohydrate digestion include:

• Glucose
• Maltose
• Dextrins

These simpler sugars can then be absorbed into the bloodstream, providing energy for the body.

Fats Digestion

Fats, also known as triglycerides, are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol during digestion. This process starts in the small intestine. The enzyme lipase, along with bile produced by the liver, emulsifies fats so they can be further broken down. Key digestion products include:

• Fatty acids
• Glycerol

These products are then absorbed by intestinal cells and transported to different parts of the body to be used for energy or stored in fat tissue.

Proteins Digestion

Proteins are complex molecules made up of amino acids. The digestion of proteins begins in the stomach, where the enzyme pepsin breaks them into smaller polypeptides. It is completed in the small intestine with the help of enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin. The final digestion products are simple amino acids, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream and used to build and repair tissues. The main product of protein digestion is:

• Amino acids

Simple Sugars

Simple sugars are the end products of carbohydrate digestion. They are easily absorbed into the bloodstream and used immediately by the body for energy. Common simple sugars include:

• Glucose
• Fructose
• Galactose

Among these, glucose is the most important as it serves as the primary source of energy for cells. It is also involved in various metabolic processes. If the body does not immediately need glucose for energy, it can be stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen.

Digestive Process

The digestive process involves breaking down food into smaller molecules that the body can use for energy, growth, and cell repair. Here's how it works:

• Mouth: Digestion starts here with mechanical chewing and the enzyme amylase breaking down carbohydrates.
• Stomach: Proteins are digested by pepsin and hydrochloric acid.
• Small Intestine: Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are further broken down by various enzymes.
• Absorption: Nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine.
• Large Intestine: Water and minerals are absorbed, and waste is formed into stool.

This entire process ensures that the body gets the essential nutrients it needs to function properly.