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The digestion of food and subsequent absorption into the bloodstream is important because

A. absorbed food is toxic to the body

B. absorbed food stimulates reproduction

C. absorbed food is the raw material for metabolism

D. absorbed food aids in respiration

Answer Explanation:

C) absorbed food is the raw material for metabolism

- Correct: The digestion of food and subsequent absorption into the bloodstream are essential processes because absorbed food molecules serve as the raw material for metabolism. Once nutrients from food are absorbed into the bloodstream, they are transported to cells throughout the body where they are used for various metabolic processes. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is used for energy production. Proteins are broken down into amino acids, which are used for building and repairing tissues, as well as for synthesizing enzymes and hormones. Fats are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol, which are used for energy production and for building cell membranes and certain hormones. Overall, absorbed food molecules provide the necessary energy and building blocks for cellular activities, growth, and maintenance of the body.

A) absorbed food is toxic to the body

- Incorrect: Absorbed food is not inherently toxic to the body. In fact, nutrients obtained from food are essential for the body's survival and proper functioning. However, certain substances in food may be harmful if absorbed in excessive amounts, such as certain vitamins or minerals. Generally, the body has mechanisms to regulate nutrient absorption and maintain homeostasis.

B) absorbed food stimulates reproduction

- Incorrect: While proper nutrition is important for overall health and fertility, absorbed food does not directly stimulate reproduction. Reproduction is regulated by various hormones and physiological processes within the body.

D) absorbed food aids in respiration

- Incorrect: While nutrients obtained from food are used by cells for energy production through respiration, absorbed food itself does not directly aid in respiration. Respiration is a complex physiological process that involves the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) in the lungs and cellular respiration within cells to produce energy.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: Base your answer to the following question on the diagram below. A digestive function of organ C is the synthesis and secretion of

    A. salivary amylase

    B. protease

    C. hydrochloric acid

    D. bile

    Answer Explanation

    Protease enzymes are responsible for breaking down proteins in our food into amino acids. Then different enzymes join amino acids together to form new proteins needed by the body for growth and repair. Protease enzymes are produced in pancreas.

  • Q #2: Which components of the human diet contain the greatest amounts of sugars and starches?

    A. meat and eggs

    B. fruits and vegetables

    C. minerals and milk

    D. water and vitamins

    Answer Explanation

    B) fruits and vegetables

    - Correct: Fruits and vegetables contain the greatest amounts of sugars and starches in the human diet. Both fruits and vegetables are rich sources of carbohydrates, including natural sugars, fiber, and starches. These carbohydrates provide a readily available source of energy for the body. Examples of fruits with natural sugars include apples, bananas, and grapes, while starch-containing vegetables include potatoes, corn, and peas.

    A) meat and eggs

    - Incorrect: Meat and eggs are primarily sources of proteins and fats, not sugars and starches. They contain minimal amounts of carbohydrates.

    C) minerals and milk

    - Incorrect: Minerals are inorganic compounds essential for various physiological functions, and milk is a source of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (mainly lactose, a sugar). While milk contains some sugars, fruits and vegetables typically contribute more significant amounts of sugars and starches to the diet.

    D) water and vitamins

    - Incorrect: Water and vitamins are essential components of the diet, but they do not contain sugars and starches. Water is a vital component for hydration, and vitamins are organic compounds required for various biochemical processes in the body.

  • Q #3: Base your answer to the following question on Which statement best expresses the information represented in the graph shown below?

    A. The action of enzymes varies with pH.

    B. A pH of 7 provides the optimum environment for digestive enzymes.

    C. Gastric juice is active at a pH extending from 0 to 12.

    D. Acids have a pH greater than 7.

    Answer Explanation

    The action of enzymes vary with pH. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, and their activity is influenced by various factors including pH.

    The pH level affects the ionization state of amino acid residues within the enzyme's active site. This, in turn, can affect the enzyme's ability to bind substrate molecules and catalyze reactions.

    Different enzymes have different optimal pH ranges at which they exhibit maximum activity. This optimal pH range is determined by the specific environment in which the enzyme typically functions. For example, pepsin, which is involved in digesting proteins in the stomach, works optimally at an acidic pH around 2, whereas enzymes in the small intestine function optimally at a slightly alkaline pH around 7 to 8.

    Extreme deviations from the optimal pH can denature enzymes, causing them to lose their structure and function. Therefore, maintaining the appropriate pH level is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of enzymes in biochemical reactions.