Write an essay to outline the DIGESTION PATHWAYS of the following foods:
Potato = starch as a polysaccharide
Steak = proteins and nucleic acids (DNA/RNA)
Fried mozzarella stick = fats
Suggestive Questions for your essay are in the file. You do not need to answer them directly. They are here to guide you through this assignment.
Instructions:
Your contribution is to write an essay on a given subject by writing a post of at least 350 words. Please, write and spellcheck it in a WordDoc before posting it.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Digestion is the process by which food is broken down into smaller molecules that can be absorbed and utilized by the body. It is a critical process that helps the body to receive nutrients and energy. The digestion pathways of different foods vary based on the chemical composition of the food. In this essay, we will outline the digestion pathways of three different types of food: potato (starch), steak (proteins and nucleic acids), and fried mozzarella stick (fats).
Digestion Pathways of Starch from Potato:
Starch, a polysaccharide, is the primary carbohydrate in potatoes, and it is broken down into glucose molecules by the digestive system. The digestion of starch begins in the mouth, where an enzyme, salivary amylase, starts breaking down the starch into smaller molecules known as maltose. When the food reaches the small intestine, the pancreatic amylase, an enzyme secreted by the pancreas, continues the process of starch digestion, breaking down the maltose into glucose. The glucose is then absorbed by the small intestine’s lining and transported to the liver, where it is converted to glycogen or used to produce energy.
Digestion Pathways of Proteins and Nucleic Acids from Steak:
Proteins and nucleic acids are the primary components of meat, and they are essential nutrients required by the body. The digestion of these macromolecules starts in the stomach, where the acidic environment helps to denature or unfold the proteins, making them easier to break down. The stomach then releases an enzyme, pepsin, which cleaves the proteins into smaller peptides. The peptides are then further broken down by pancreatic enzymes, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. These enzymes break down the peptides into small amino acid molecules, which are then absorbed by the small intestine’s lining and transported to the liver. The nucleic acids are broken down by the enzymes nucleases, dnases, and rnases in the small intestine, forms nucleotides, phosphate, and simple sugar. They are then absorbed by the small intestine’s lining and transported to the liver, where they participate in the biochemical reactions in the body.
Digestion Pathways of Fats from Fried Mozzarella Stick:
Fats are the most energy-dense macronutrient, and they are vital for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The digestion of fats begins in the stomach, where the fat droplets separate from the food, forming an emulsion. The emulsion is then combined with bile, which emulsifies the fats, making them more accessible to pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. The fatty acids and glycerol are absorbed through the small intestine’s lining and transported to the liver, where they are further metabolized or stored as fat.
Conclusion:
The digestion of food is essential for the body to obtain vital nutrients and energy to function properly. The digestion pathways of different types of food may vary based on their chemical composition, but the process is coordinated by the digestive system’s intricate organs and enzymes. Understanding these digestion pathways is vital for maintaining a healthy diet and optimal health.
