Biology Answer Note #21

Question 1 Write a half page paper on the Respitory system that describes it throughly, its parts, and how it works. Answer The respiratory system is a vital part of our body, responsible for ensuring the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in our bodies. This complex system is made up of various organs and structures, all working together to provide our cells with the necessary oxygen for cellular respiration. The main organs of the respiratory system are the lungs, which are located in the chest cavity and protected by the rib cage. The lungs are divided into lobes and consist of bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. The bronchi and bronchioles are responsible for the transportation of air, while the alveoli are responsible for gas exchange. The process of breathing begins with the nostrils, where air is inhaled and moves through the nasal cavity. The air then travels down the pharynx, a passage shared by both the respiratory and digestive systems, and into the larynx. From there, the air enters the trachea, also known as the windpipe, which splits into two bronchi, one for each lung. The bronchi further divide into smaller bronchioles, and eventually lead to the alveoli. The alveoli are small sacs surrounded by tiny blood vessels, called capillaries. It is in the alveoli where gas exchange occurs, with oxygen diffusing from the air into the capillaries and carbon dioxide diffusing from the capillaries into the air to be exhaled. This exchange is facilitated by the thin walls of the alveoli and the capillaries. Other key components of the respiratory system include the diaphragm, a muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity, and the intercostal muscles, responsible for expanding and contracting the rib cage during breathing. In addition to the exchange of gases, the respiratory system also plays a role in regulating the pH balance of the body. The lungs can adjust the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled to maintain a proper acid-base balance in the blood. Overall, the respiratory system is a complex and vital system in our body, responsible for ensuring the exchange of gases that are essential for cellular respiration. It is constantly working to keep our bodies functioning properly, and any disruptions or diseases within this system can have serious consequences. Question 2 The absorption and transportation of lipid from the illeum to body cell Answer Lipids are a class of biomolecules that play vital roles in the absorption and transportation of nutrients in our bodies. The absorption and transportation of lipids from the illeum to body cells is a complex process that involves several organs and molecules. The illeum is the final segment of the small intestine where most of the lipid absorption takes place. The absorption of lipids occurs through the process of diffusion and requires the presence of bile salts and enzymes. Bile salts emulsify the large lipid molecules into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for enzymes to act upon. The enzymes, such as lipase, break down the lipids into fatty acids and glycerol, which can then be absorbed by the small intestine. Once absorbed, the lipids are transported through the bloodstream in the form of lipoproteins. These lipoproteins are classified into four types - chylomicrons, very lowdensity lipoproteins (VLDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Chylomicrons are the largest and carry mainly triglycerides, while VLDL and LDL carry cholesterol. HDL is known as the "good" cholesterol as it carries excess cholesterol from body tissues to the liver for elimination. The lipoproteins travel through the bloodstream to various body cells, where they are used for energy, cell membrane synthesis, and hormone production. The liver also plays a crucial role in lipid transportation by synthesizing and secreting lipoproteins and converting excess lipids into bile salts. Additionally, specialized molecules called lipoprotein lipases break down the fat-containing lipoproteins to release their contents to be used by the body cells. In conclusion, the absorption and transportation of lipids from the illeum to body cells is a coordinated process that involves the small intestine, liver, and various molecules such as bile salts, enzymes, and lipoproteins. It is crucial to maintain a balance of lipids in the body for the proper functioning of various physiological processes. Sources: - Textbook: Campbell Biology 11th Edition, Chapter 41 - Khan Academy: Lipids - Study.com: Absorption of Lipids in the Intestines - BMC Biology: A closer look at the absorption of dietary fat - NCBI: Lipoprotein Lipase: From Gene to Obesity Question 3 The absorption and transportation of glucose from the illeum to body cell Answer The absorption and transportation of glucose from the ileum to body cells is a vital process in the human body. Glucose is the primary source of energy for our cells and is essential for proper functioning and survival. The ileum, which is the last part of the small intestine, is responsible for absorbing nutrients, including glucose, from the food we eat. Once absorbed, glucose is transported to the body cells through the bloodstream, where it is used for cellular respiration. The absorption of glucose from the ileum occurs through a process known as active transport. This means that energy is required for glucose to move from an area of low concentration (the intestine) to an area of high concentration (the bloodstream). This is achieved through the use of transport proteins in the cell membrane, which bind to glucose molecules and facilitate their movement into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, glucose is transported to body cells by the hormone insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and helps regulate blood glucose levels. It binds to specialized receptors on the cell surface, activating glucose transporters to allow glucose to enter the cell. The glucose is then used by the cell through cellular respiration to produce energy. Question 4 Explain what happen to protein after being absorbed in the illeum Answer After proteins are broken down into small amino acids in the stomach and small intestine, they are then absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the ileum, the last section of the small intestine. From there, the amino acids are transported to the liver, where they are metabolized and either utilized for energy or stored for future use. The amino acids may also be transported to different parts of the body to be used for tissue repair and growth. Any excess amino acids are converted into glucose or fatty acids for storage or energy production. Question 5 An individual has gallstones in gallbladder, explain the effect on the digestion of food in duodenum Answer When an individual has gallstones in their gallbladder, it can have a significant effect on the digestion of food in the duodenum. The gallbladder stores and releases bile, which helps break down fats in the small intestine. However, when there are gallstones present, they can block the bile duct and prevent the flow of bile into the duodenum. This leads to a decrease in the amount of bile available to break down fats, which can result in undigested fats passing through the digestive system. This can cause discomfort, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.