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The diagram shows the digestive system - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 6
The diagram shows the digestive system. (a) (i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer. Organ X secretes enzymes into the A. ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows the digestive system - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Suggest how living without a gall bladder may affect these people.
Answer
Without a gall bladder, individuals may experience difficulty in digesting fats properly since the gall bladder stores bile, which is essential for emulsifying fats. This could lead to symptoms such as indigestion or fatty stools (steatorrhea) due to inefficient fat absorption.
Step 4
Explain how the structure of the small intestine allows the products of digestion to be absorbed effectively.
Answer
The small intestine has a highly specialized structure that maximizes nutrient absorption. It features a large surface area due to villi and microvilli, which increase contact with digested food. The walls are thin, facilitating efficient diffusion of nutrients into the bloodstream. Additionally, the small intestine has a rich blood supply that aids in transporting absorbed nutrients away from the intestine, maintaining a steep concentration gradient that promotes further absorption.