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Which nutrients can be absorbed without first being digested in the human gastrointestinal tract?

A. carbohydrates and polypeptides

B. proteins and vitamins

C. minerals and polysaccharides

D. vitamins and minerals

Answer Explanation:

D) vitamins and minerals

- Correct: Vitamins and minerals are nutrients that can be absorbed without first being digested in the human gastrointestinal tract. Unlike carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which require enzymatic digestion to break them down into smaller molecules for absorption, vitamins and minerals are already in a form that can be readily absorbed by the body. Once absorbed, vitamins and minerals play essential roles in various physiological processes, such as metabolism, immune function, and bone health.

A) carbohydrates and polypeptides

- Incorrect: Carbohydrates and polypeptides (large protein molecules) require enzymatic digestion to break them down into simpler molecules (such as glucose from carbohydrates and amino acids from polypeptides) before they can be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract.

B) proteins and vitamins

- Incorrect: Proteins require enzymatic digestion to break them down into amino acids before they can be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. While vitamins do not require digestion and can be directly absorbed, proteins do not fall into this category.

C) minerals and polysaccharides

- Incorrect: Minerals, such as calcium, iron, and zinc, can be directly absorbed without prior digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. However, polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) require enzymatic digestion into simpler sugars before they can be absorbed.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: Feces is usually about 40 percent water and 60 percent solid matter. Reducing the water content to 20 percent would most likely result in

    A. ulcers

    B. appendicitis

    C. diarrhea

    D. constipation

    Answer Explanation

    D) constipation

    - Correct: Feces with reduced water content, such as reducing the water content to 20 percent, would result in constipation. Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool, often characterized by hard, dry, and difficult-to-pass stools. When feces have less water content, they become harder and drier, making them more difficult to pass through the intestines. This can lead to discomfort, straining during bowel movements, and a sense of incomplete evacuation.

    A) ulcers

    - Incorrect: Ulcers are sores or lesions that develop in the lining of the digestive tract, commonly in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. They are not directly related to changes in the water content of feces.

    B) appendicitis

    - Incorrect: Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch located near the junction of the small and large intestines. It is not directly related to changes in the water content of feces.

    C) diarrhea

    - Incorrect: Diarrhea refers to frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements. Reduced water content in feces would lead to constipation rather than diarrhea.

  • Q #2: The pancreas is an organ connected to the digestive tract of humans by a duct (tube) through which digestive enzymes flow. Why are these enzymes important to the digestive system?

    A. They form proteins needed in the stomach.

    B. They form the acids that break down food.

    C. They change food substances into molecules that can pass into the bloodstream and cells.

    D. They change food materials into wastes that can be passed out of the body.

    Answer Explanation

    C) They change food substances into molecules that can pass into the bloodstream and cells.

    - Correct: Digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas play a crucial role in breaking down complex food molecules into smaller, absorbable molecules that can pass through the walls of the small intestine and into the bloodstream. These smaller molecules include carbohydrates broken down into simple sugars, proteins broken down into amino acids, and fats broken down into fatty acids and glycerol. Once these molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream, they can be transported to cells throughout the body to provide energy and support various metabolic processes.

    A) They form proteins needed in the stomach.

    - Incorrect: Digestive enzymes do not form proteins needed in the stomach. Proteins are broken down into amino acids by digestive enzymes, but the enzymes themselves do not form proteins.

    B) They form the acids that break down food.

    - Incorrect: Digestive enzymes do not form acids. Acids such as hydrochloric acid are secreted by the stomach and aid in the breakdown of food, particularly proteins, but they are not formed by pancreatic enzymes.

    D) They change food materials into wastes that can be passed out of the body.

    - Incorrect: While digestive enzymes help break down food materials, their primary function is to convert these materials into absorbable molecules rather than wastes. The conversion of food into waste products occurs primarily through processes in the digestive tract and is facilitated by enzymes as part of digestion, but it is not the direct role of pancreatic enzymes.

  • Q #3: In gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is reduced to hold 1 ounce of food, instead of 3 pints. This surgery would drastically impact one's

    A. excretory system

    B. digestive system

    C. circulatory system

    D. respiratory system

    Answer Explanation

    B) digestive system

    - Correct: Gastric bypass surgery involves the reduction of the stomach's size, typically to hold only about 1 ounce of food instead of its normal capacity of 3 pints or more. This surgery drastically impacts the digestive system because it alters the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract. By reducing the stomach's size, gastric bypass surgery restricts the amount of food that can be consumed at one time, leading to reduced calorie intake and aiding in weight loss. Additionally, the rearrangement of the digestive tract may affect the absorption of nutrients, potentially leading to changes in nutrient absorption and metabolism.

    A) excretory system

    - Incorrect: While changes in diet and weight loss resulting from gastric bypass surgery may indirectly affect the excretory system, the primary impact of this surgery is on the digestive system itself, not the excretory system.

    C) circulatory system

    - Incorrect: Although obesity and associated health conditions may impact the circulatory system, such as increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, the direct impact of gastric bypass surgery is on the digestive system, not the circulatory system.

    D) respiratory system

    - Incorrect: Gastric bypass surgery does not directly impact the respiratory system. While weight loss resulting from the surgery may improve respiratory function in individuals with obesity-related respiratory conditions such as sleep apnea, the surgery primarily affects the digestive system by altering the anatomy and function of the gastrointestinal tract.