Glycogen is best described as a

A. complex carbohydrate that is often stored in red blood cells

B. complete protein necessary for the synthesis of cell membranes

C. polysaccharide that is synthesized and stored within the human liver

D. by-product of sucrose digestion within the pancreas

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Answer Explanation:

C) polysaccharide that is synthesized and stored within the human liver

- Correct: Glycogen is a polysaccharide, which means it is a complex carbohydrate composed of many glucose molecules linked together. It is synthesized and stored primarily in the liver and muscles of humans and other vertebrates. Glycogen serves as a form of energy storage, allowing organisms to store glucose for later use when energy demands are high or when glucose availability is low.

A) complex carbohydrate that is often stored in red blood cells

- Incorrect: While glycogen is a complex carbohydrate, it is not stored in red blood cells. Red blood cells do not contain nuclei or organelles, including glycogen storage structures.

B) complete protein necessary for the synthesis of cell membranes

- Incorrect: Glycogen is not a protein. It is a carbohydrate used for energy storage. Proteins are composed of amino acids and are involved in various cellular functions, including the synthesis of cell membranes, but glycogen does not play a direct role in this process.

D) by-product of sucrose digestion within the pancreas

- Incorrect: Glycogen is not a by-product of sucrose digestion within the pancreas. Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, and it is broken down into its component sugars by enzymes in the small intestine, not the pancreas. Glycogen is synthesized and stored in the liver and muscles as a form of energy storage.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.

More Questions on Digestive System Practice Exam 1

Question 1:

Which two organ systems provide materials required for the human body to produce ATP?

A. reproductive and excretory

B. digestive and respiratory

C. respiratory and immune

D. digestive and reproductive

The Correct Answer is B.

The digestive system provides materials in the form of nutrients from food, such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. These nutrients are broken down during digestion and absorbed into the bloodstream.

The respiratory system provides oxygen, which is necessary for cellular respiration, the process by which ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is produced in cells. Oxygen is inhaled into the lungs and diffuses into the bloodstream to be transported to cells throughout the body.


Question 2:

Hardened deposits of cholesterol that accumulate in the structure that stores bile are known as

A. gallstones

B. ulcers

C. goiters

D. allergies

The Correct Answer is A.

A) gallstones

- Correct: Hardened deposits of cholesterol that accumulate in the structure that stores bile, which is the gallbladder, are known as gallstones. Gallstones can also contain other substances, such as bilirubin or calcium salts, in addition to cholesterol. These stones can vary in size and may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice. In severe cases, gallstones may require medical intervention, including surgery, to remove them.

B) ulcers

- Incorrect: Ulcers are sores or lesions that develop in the lining of the digestive tract, commonly in the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). They are not related to hardened deposits of cholesterol in the gallbladder.

C) goiters

- Incorrect: Goiters are abnormal enlargements of the thyroid gland in the neck. They can be caused by iodine deficiency, thyroid disorders, or other factors, but they are not related to gallstones.

D) allergies

- Incorrect: Allergies are immune responses to specific substances (allergens) that the body perceives as harmful, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, or anaphylaxis. They are not related to hardened deposits of cholesterol in the gallbladder.


Question 3:

The pancreas is an organ connected to the digestive tract of humans by a duct (tube) through

A. which digestive enzymes flow. These enzymes are important to the digestive system because

B. they

C. form proteins needed in the stomach

D. form the acids that break down food

The Correct Answer is C.

The enzymes secreted by the pancreas play a crucial role in the digestion process by breaking down various nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, into smaller molecules.

These smaller molecules are then absorbed through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream and subsequently transported to cells throughout the body for energy production, growth, and repair.

Therefore, these enzymes are essential for converting complex food substances into molecules that can be utilized by the body's cells for various metabolic processes.


Question 4:

Which disorder would most directly interfere with the emulsification of fats?

A. bronchitis

B. gout

C. goiter

D. gallstones

The Correct Answer is D.

D) gallstones

- Correct: Gallstones would most directly interfere with the emulsification of fats. Emulsification of fats is primarily facilitated by bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, often consisting of cholesterol or bilirubin. These stones can obstruct the flow of bile from the gallbladder into the small intestine, impairing the emulsification of fats and leading to difficulties in fat digestion and absorption. This obstruction can result in symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and indigestion.

A) bronchitis

- Incorrect: Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs and does not directly interfere with the emulsification of fats in the digestive system.

B) gout

- Incorrect: Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, typically affecting the feet. It does not directly interfere with the emulsification of fats in the digestive system.

C) goiter

- Incorrect: Goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland in the neck, often due to iodine deficiency or thyroid disorders. It does not directly interfere with the emulsification of fats in the digestive system.


Question 5:

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

The Correct Answer is B.

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.


Question 6:

The absorptive surface of the small intestine is greater than that of other human digestive organs because of its length and the presence of

A. alveoli

B. neurons

C. villi

D. nephrons

The Correct Answer is C.

C) villi

- Correct: The absorptive surface of the small intestine is greatly increased due to the presence of villi. Villi are finger-like projections that line the inner surface of the small intestine. These structures greatly increase the surface area available for absorption. Each villus contains capillaries and lacteals (lymphatic vessels) that absorb nutrients from digested food. The large surface area provided by the villi allows for more efficient absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

A) alveoli

- Incorrect: Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs during respiration. They are not found in the digestive system and do not contribute to the absorptive surface of the small intestine.

B) neurons

- Incorrect: Neurons are nerve cells that transmit signals throughout the body, including the digestive system. While neurons play a role in regulating digestion and other digestive processes, they do not directly contribute to the absorptive surface of the small intestine.

D) nephrons

- Incorrect: Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. They are not part of the digestive system and do not contribute to the absorptive surface of the small intestine.


Question 7:

In humans, structures that release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine include both the

A. salivary glands and the pancreas

B. gall bladder and the lacteals

C. villi and the salivary glands

D. pancreas and the gall bladder

The Correct Answer is D.

D) pancreas and the gallbladder

- Correct: Both the pancreas and the gallbladder release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine. The pancreas secretes pancreatic enzymes (such as amylase, lipase, and proteases) into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, which is released into the small intestine to aid in the emulsification and digestion of fats.

A) salivary glands and the pancreas

- Incorrect: While the pancreas releases digestive secretions directly into the small intestine, the salivary glands secrete saliva into the mouth, which contains enzymes (such as amylase) that begin the digestion of carbohydrates. Salivary glands do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine.

B) gall bladder and the lacteals

- Incorrect: The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, which is released into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion. Lacteals are lymphatic vessels found in the villi of the small intestine and are involved in the absorption of fats, but they do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine.

C) villi and the salivary glands

- Incorrect: Villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients but do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine. Salivary glands secrete saliva into the mouth to initiate the digestion of carbohydrates but do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine.


Question 8:

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

The Correct Answer is D.

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.


Question 9:

Three days after an organism eats some meat, many of the organic molecules originally contained in the meat would be found in newly formed molecules of

A. glucose

B. protein

C. starch

D. oxygen

The Correct Answer is B.

B) protein

- Correct: After an organism consumes meat, the organic molecules present in the meat, such as amino acids and lipids, are broken down through the process of digestion. These molecules are then absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to various cells throughout the body. In the cells, these molecules are used as building blocks for synthesizing new proteins. Proteins are essential macromolecules involved in numerous cellular functions, including structural support, enzymatic activity, and regulation of cellular processes. Therefore, many of the organic molecules originally contained in the meat would be found in newly formed molecules of protein within the organism's cells.

A) glucose

- Incorrect: Glucose is a simple sugar that is primarily derived from the digestion of carbohydrates. While some amino acids obtained from the digestion of protein can be converted into glucose through gluconeogenesis, the majority of amino acids are used for protein synthesis, not glucose production.

C) starch

- Incorrect: Starch is a complex carbohydrate found in plants. It is not typically present in meat, and it is not directly synthesized from the organic molecules obtained from meat consumption.

D) oxygen

- Incorrect: Oxygen is a gas essential for cellular respiration but is not synthesized from the organic molecules obtained from meat consumption. Oxygen is mainly obtained through breathing and is used in cellular respiration to generate ATP, the energy currency of the cell.


Question 10:

The enzyme pepsin is produced in the cells of the stomach but not in the cells of the small intestine. The small intestine produces a different enzyme, trypsin. The reason that the stomach and small intestine produce different enzymes is that the gene that codes for pepsin is

A. in the cells of the stomach, but not in the cells of the small intestine

B. expressed in the stomach but not expressed in the small intestine

C. mutated in the small intestine

D. digested by the trypsin in the small intestine

The Correct Answer is B.

Enzymes are proteins that catalyze specific biochemical reactions in living organisms.

The production of enzymes is regulated by gene expression, where specific genes are activated (expressed) to produce particular enzymes in different cells or tissues.

In this case, the gene responsible for coding the enzyme pepsin is expressed in the cells of the stomach, leading to the production of pepsin in the stomach.

Conversely, the gene for trypsin is expressed in the cells of the small intestine, resulting in the production of trypsin in the small intestine.

Therefore, the reason that the stomach and small intestine produce different enzymes is due to the differential gene expression in these respective tissues.