In some regions of the world, children suffer from a protein deficiency known as kwashiorkor. This deficiency occurs when a child's diet is changed from high-protein breast milk to watery cereal. Even though the child is receiving calories, the child becomes sick and less active, and growth ceases. These symptoms are probably due to
A. too many nucleic acids in the diet
B. an overconsumption of complete protein foods
C. not enough carbohydrates in the diet
D. a lack of essential amino acids in the diet
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D) a lack of essential amino acids in the diet
- Correct: Kwashiorkor is a form of severe acute malnutrition that occurs due to inadequate protein intake, particularly deficient in essential amino acids. When a child's diet is changed from high-protein breast milk to watery cereal, which is often low in protein and deficient in essential amino acids, the child may develop kwashiorkor despite receiving calories. Essential amino acids are necessary for proper growth, immune function, and overall health. Without an adequate supply of essential amino acids, the body cannot synthesize proteins required for various physiological processes, leading to symptoms such as stunted growth, lethargy, edema (swelling), and weakened immune function, which are characteristic of kwashiorkor.
A) too many nucleic acids in the diet
- Incorrect: Kwashiorkor is not caused by an excess of nucleic acids in the diet. Nucleic acids are the building blocks of DNA and RNA and are not directly related to the development of kwashiorkor.
B) an overconsumption of complete protein foods
- Incorrect: Kwashiorkor results from a deficiency in protein intake, particularly inadequate consumption of essential amino acids, rather than an overconsumption of complete protein foods.
C) not enough carbohydrates in the diet
- Incorrect: While a diet lacking in carbohydrates can lead to energy deficiency, it does not directly cause the symptoms of kwashiorkor. Kwashiorkor is primarily associated with inadequate protein intake, not insufficient carbohydrate intake.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.
More Questions on Digestive System Practice Exam 1
Question 1:
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.
The Correct Answer is C.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.
Question 2:
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 3:
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
The Correct Answer is C.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.
Question 4:
Some vitamins are essential to an organism because they function as
A. coenzymes
B. auxins
C. hormones
D. neurotransmitters
The Correct Answer is A.A) coenzymes
- Correct: Some vitamins function as coenzymes, which are molecules that assist enzymes in their catalytic activity. Coenzymes work together with enzymes to facilitate various biochemical reactions in the body. For example, certain B vitamins (such as thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin) act as coenzymes in energy metabolism, while vitamin K acts as a coenzyme in blood clotting. Without these essential vitamins, many metabolic processes in the body would be impaired, leading to various health problems.
B) auxins
- Incorrect: Auxins are plant hormones that regulate plant growth and development. They are not vitamins and do not function as coenzymes in biochemical reactions in organisms.
C) hormones
- Incorrect: Hormones are signaling molecules that regulate various physiological processes in organisms. While some vitamins may indirectly influence hormone production or function, they do not function primarily as hormones themselves.
D) neurotransmitters
- Incorrect: Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells (neurons) in the nervous system. They are not vitamins and do not function as coenzymes in biochemical reactions in organisms.
Question 5:
A branch of the nerve regulating the secretions of the stomach can be cut surgically. The decrease in hydrochloric acid secretion that would result from this procedure would be most helpful to an individual with
A. diarrhea
B. appendicitis
C. gallstones
D. ulcers
The Correct Answer is D.D) ulcers
- Correct: The decrease in hydrochloric acid secretion resulting from the surgical cutting of a branch of the nerve regulating stomach secretions would be most helpful to an individual with ulcers. Ulcers are sores or lesions that develop in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus due to factors such as infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or excessive alcohol consumption. Hydrochloric acid plays a significant role in the formation and exacerbation of ulcers by increasing the acidity of the stomach, which can irritate and erode the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, reducing hydrochloric acid secretion can help alleviate the symptoms and promote healing of ulcers.
A) diarrhea
- Incorrect: Decreasing hydrochloric acid secretion would not directly address the underlying causes of diarrhea, which may be related to infections, dietary issues, or other factors affecting gastrointestinal motility and water absorption.
B) appendicitis
- Incorrect: Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch located near the junction of the small and large intestines. Decreasing hydrochloric acid secretion would not directly affect the development or treatment of appendicitis.
C) gallstones
- Incorrect: Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder and can obstruct the flow of bile. Decreasing hydrochloric acid secretion would not directly address the formation or treatment of gallstones, as they are primarily composed of cholesterol or bilirubin, not affected by changes in stomach acid levels.
Question 6:
Base your answer to the following question on the diagram below, which represents the human digestive system.
Most reabsorption of water occurs within structure
A. F
B. G
C. C
D. D
The Correct Answer is A.Most reabsorption of water occurs in the large intestine, F.
Question 7:
Into which parts of the human digestive system are digestive enzymes secreted?
A. mouth, esophagus, stomach
B. stomach, small intestine, large intestine
C. mouth, stomach, small intestine
D. esophagus, stomach, large intestine
The Correct Answer is C.A) Mouth, Esophagus, Stomach: This option is incorrect because while saliva in the mouth does contain digestive enzymes (such as amylase for breaking down carbohydrates), the esophagus is not a site of enzyme secretion. The stomach secretes gastric juices which primarily contain hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen (which is converted to pepsin, a protein-digesting enzyme), but the esophagus itself does not secrete digestive enzymes.
B) Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine: This option is incorrect because while both the small intestine and the large intestine play crucial roles in digestion and absorption, enzyme secretion mainly occurs in the stomach and small intestine. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and salts and does not secrete digestive enzymes.
C) Mouth, Stomach, Small Intestine: This option is correct. Enzymes are secreted in the mouth (amylase), stomach (pepsin for protein digestion), and small intestine (various enzymes including pancreatic enzymes like lipase, protease, and amylase, as well as enzymes produced by the intestinal lining).
D) Esophagus, Stomach, Large Intestine: This option is incorrect because while the stomach does secrete digestive enzymes, the esophagus and large intestine do not. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and salts and does not secrete digestive enzymes.
Question 8:
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 9:
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 10:
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.
The Correct Answer is A.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.