Most of the food we eat requires digestion - Junior Cycle Science - Question a - 2013
Question a
Most of the food we eat requires digestion.
(i) What is meant by digestion? State clearly why we need to digest food.
What? _____________________________________
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Worked Solution & Example Answer:Most of the food we eat requires digestion - Junior Cycle Science - Question a - 2013
Step 1
What is meant by digestion?
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Answer
Digestion refers to the breakdown of food into smaller, absorbable components. This process involves both mechanical and chemical actions that transform complex food substances into simpler forms.
Step 2
State clearly why we need to digest food.
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Answer
We need to digest food so that it can enter our bloodstream and be absorbed. This allows our bodies to extract essential nutrients and energy needed for growth, repair, and daily metabolic functions.
Step 3
Stomach
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The stomach's function is to kill bacteria through its acidic environment, hold food, and initiate the digestion of proteins through the secretion of gastric acid and enzymes.
Step 4
Liver
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The liver produces bile which aids in the digestion of fats, processes absorbed food, detoxifies harmful substances, and regulates blood glucose levels.
Step 5
Pancreas
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The pancreas produces enzymes that assist in the chemical digestion of food, and it secretes insulin and hormones that regulate blood glucose levels.
Step 6
Small intestine
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The small intestine completes the digestion of food, absorbs nutrients into the bloodstream, and produces digestive enzymes.
Step 7
Large intestine
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The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes, produces feces, and transports solid waste out of the body while also playing a role in vitamin production.
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