Nutrition and Digestion Questions and Answers GCSE

Nutrition and Digestion Questions and Answers GCSE

Question 1 (1.1) 450 words

There are seven components of a balanced human diet.  Concisely explain the seven components and their main roles for nutritional health.

If you have an imbalanced diet, this could potentially lead to a longer term imbalance of vital nutrients and you could become unwell.

Question 2 (1.2) 200 words

Explain what is meant by the term ‘imbalanced diet’. Develop this explanation to include the consequences of an imbalanced diet relating to:

·       High blood pressure

·       Why particular symptoms of deficiency develop to a lack of one vital nutrient of your choice.

Both Javid and Alicia have been researching into the current recommended approach to a healthy diet.  They are both aged 27.

Question 3 (1.3) 300 words

Describe the sort of diet that it might be recommended that they should follow to ensure the maximum health benefits for these different sexes.

The alimentary canal is a long tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. The cellular and tissue structure of this tube (histology) varies in different regions.

Question 4 (3.1 & 3.2) 450 words

a)    Clearly present how all parts of the alimentary canal (digestive tract), together with the accessary organs make up the digestive system. Use at least one diagram (that can be downloaded) and concise descriptions to clarify their location in the digestive system (AC 3.1).

b)    Concisely explain the functions of the mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, small & large intestines, rectum and anus (AC 3.2)

Question 5 (3.3) 300 words

Describe the histology of the alimentary canal, particularly to identify the variations in structure between the stomach, duodenum and ileum.  Include an image in your answer.

Food is broken down in the process of digestion.   This is brought about by the action of proteins called enzymes.

Question 6 (2.1) 300 words

a) Define the following terms:

1.              Intracellular digestion

2.              Extracellular digestion

3.              Mechanical digestion

4.              Chemical digestion

b) You decide to eat a ham sandwich for your lunch.  Your sandwich consists of bread, butter and ham. Explain how digestive enzymes work throughout the digestive tract to break down your ham sandwich into its smallest components that can be used by your body.

Once food has been broken down by enzymes, the products of the breakdown need to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Question 7 (2.2 & 3.4) 300 words

a)    Explain the roles of the lacteals and capillaries in absorption within the villi in the ileum.  Include an image of a lacteal in your answer (AC 2.2).

The liver has many functions, but its main job within the digestive system is to process the nutrients absorbed from the small intestine. It also helps with the digestion of fats which starts with the emulsification process.

b)    Concisely describe the importance of the liver relating to the emulsification process and for metabolising carbohydrates, proteins and fats (AC 3.4) ?