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BIOLOGY FOR CLASS IX
Class IX
Food And Nutrition
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Content
Need For Food
Synthesis Of Large Molecules From Smaller Basic Units
Simple Sugar ,Starch And Glucose
Fatty Acids And Glycerol To Fats And Oils
Nutrition In Plants
Photosynthesis
Factors Necessary For Photosynthesis
Conversion Of Light Energy Into Chemical Energy
Light Reaction
Dark Reaction
Chorophyll Necessary For Photosynthesis
Factor Effecting Of Photosynthesis
Special Modes Of Nutrition
Nutrition In Memmals
Nutrition In Man
Constitute Of Food
Balance Diet
Digestion In Man
Types Of Teeth
Digestion Process
Disorders Of Gud
 We
need food to grow, right? The food we eat
contains the nutrients that our bodies need to
replace worn out cells, stay healthy and stay
strong. It is the same for every living organism.
Food come in many different forms.

Plants:
Plants use sugars, fats and proteins to grow and stay
healthy. They produce these themselves with the
help of sunlight, water and carbon dioxide. The
nutrients produced are stored in the plants and the
nutrients are passed on to other animals that eat
these plants.
When living things die and rot in the ground, the
nutrients in them end up in the soil and get dissolved
in it. As a result, plants roots are able to absorb
nutrients such as salts, potassium, minerals, starch,
phosphates and nitric acids from soils too.
Animals
Animals also need food or nutrients to survive. They
get nutrients from eating plants. Bigger animals eat
other smaller animals for food. Aquatic animals (such
as fish) eat tiny water insects, worms and plankton.
In some cases organisms such as fungi, get their food
by breaking down nutrients in organic matter (onceliving things).
 The
food of heterotrophic organisms consists
of following components.
1. Carbohydrates
2. Proteins
3. Fats
4. Vitamins
5. Minerals
6. Water
 CARBOHYDRATES
 Carbohydrates
are made of many smaller
units called monosaccharides (such as
glucose) which are joined together by
chemical bonds. When two mono saccharides
are joined together we call that
a disaccharide (meaning two), and when
more than two (as below) are jointed
together we call that a polysaccharide.
 it
is the process of converting light energy to
chemical energy and storing it in the bonds
of sugar. This process occurs in plants and
some algae (Kingdom Protista). Plants need
only light energy, CO2, and H2O to make
sugar. The process of photosynthesis takes
place in the chloroplasts, specifically using
chlorophyll, the green pigment involved in
photosynthesis.
 Broad
flat shape.
 CO2 move in cell by diffusion.
 Large space provide CO2 diffusion.
 Lower surface stomata for exchange CO2 and
O2.
 Chloroplast in outer surface.
 Branches and veinlets.

1.internal factor.(chlorophyll)

2. External factor.(sun light,carbondioxide and
temperature15-30 C)
 Plants
use inorganic minerals for nutrition,
whether grown in the field or in a container.
Complex interactions involving weathering of
rock minerals, decaying organic matter,
animals, and microbes take place to form
inorganic minerals in soil. Roots absorb
mineral nutrients as ions in soil water. Many
factors influence nutrient uptake for plants.
Ions can be readily available to roots or
could be "tied up" by other elements or the
soil itself. Soil too high in pH (alkaline) or too
low (acid) makes minerals unavailable to
plants.

The term "fertility" refers to the inherent capacity of a soil
to supply nutrients to plants in adequate amounts and in
suitable proportions. The term "nutrition" refers to the
interrelated steps by which a living organism assimilates
food and uses it for growth and replacement of tissue.
Previously, plant growth was thought of in terms of soil
fertility or how much fertilizer should be added to increase
soil levels of mineral elements. Most fertilizers were
formulated to account for deficiencies of mineral elements
in the soil. The use of soilless mixes and increased
research in nutrient cultures and hydroponics as well as
advances in plant tissue analysis have led to a broader
understanding of plant nutrition. Plant nutrition is a term
that takes into account the interrelationships of mineral
elements in the soil or soilless solution as well as their role
in plant growth. This interrelationship involves a complex
balance of mineral elements essential and beneficial for
optimum plant growth.
The term essential mineral element (or mineral nutrient) was
proposed by Arnon and Stout (1939). They concluded three
criteria must be met for an element to be considered
essential. These criteria are: 1. A plant must be unable to
complete its life cycle in the absence of the mineral
element. 2. The function of the element must not be
replaceable by another mineral element. 3. The element
must be directly involved in plant metabolism. These
criteria are important guidelines for plant nutrition but
exclude beneficial mineral elements. Beneficial elements
are those that can compensate for toxic effects of other
elements or may replace mineral nutrients in some other
less specific function such as the maintenance of osmotic
pressure. The omission of beneficial nutrients in
commercial production could mean that plants are not
being grown to their optimum genetic potential but are
merely produced at a subsistence level. This discussion of
plant nutrition includes both the essential and beneficial
mineral elements.
There are actually 20 mineral elements necessary or beneficial for plant
growth. Carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) are supplied by air and
water. The six macronutrients, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium
(K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) are required by plants in
large amounts. The rest of the elements are required in trace amounts
(micronutrients). Essential trace elements include boron (B), chlorine (Cl),
copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn),
molybdenum (Mo), and nickel (Ni). Beneficial mineral elements include
silicon (Si) and cobalt (Co). The beneficial elements have not been
deemed essential for all plants but may be essential for some. The
distinction between beneficial and essential is often difficult in the case
of some trace elements. Cobalt for instance is essential for nitrogen
fixation in legumes. It may also inhibit ethylene formation (Samimy, 1978)
and extend the life of cut roses (Venkatarayappa et al., 1980). Silicon,
deposited in cell walls, has been found to improve heat and drought
tolerance and increase resistance to insects and fungal infections. Silicon,
acting as a beneficial element, can help compensate for toxic levels of
manganese, iron, phosphorus and aluminum as well as zinc deficiency. A
more holistic approach to plant nutrition would not be limited to nutrients
essential to survival but would include mineral elements at levels
beneficial for optimum growth. With developments in analytical chemistry
and the ability to eliminate contaminants in nutrient cultures, the list of
essential elements may well increase in the future.

The use of soil for greenhouse production before the 1960s was
common. Today a few growers still use soil in their mixes. The
bulk of production is in soilless mixes. Soilless mixes must provide
support, aeration, nutrient and moisture retention just as soils
do, but the addition of fertilizers or nutrients are different. Many
soilless mixes have calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur,
nitrogen, potassium and some micronutrients incorporated as a
pre-plant fertilizer. Nitrogen and potassium still must be applied
to the crop during production. Difficulty in blending a
homogenous mix using pre-plant fertilizers may often result in
uneven crops and possible toxic or deficient levels of nutrients.
Soilless mixes that require addition of micro and macronutrients
applied as liquid throughout the growth of the crop, may actually
give the grower more control of his crop. To achieve optimum
production, the grower can adjust nutrient levels to compensate
for other environmental factors during the growing season. The
absorption of mineral ions is dependent on a number of factors in
addition to weather conditions. These include the cation
exchange capacity or CEC and the pH or relative amount of
hydrogen (H+) or hydroxyl ions (OH-) of the growing medium, and
the total alkalinity of the irrigation water.
The Cation Exchange Capacity refers to the
ability of the growing medium to hold
exchangeable mineral elements within its
structure. These cations include ammonium
nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium,
iron, manganese, zinc and copper. Peat moss
and mixes containing bark, sawdust and
other organic materials all have some level
of cation exchange capacity.
The term pH refers to the alkalinity or acidity of a
growing media water solution. This solution consists
of mineral elements dissolved in ionic form in water.
The reaction of this solution whether it is acid,
neutral or alkaline will have a marked effect on the
availability of mineral elements to plant roots. When
there is a greater amount of hydrogen H+ ions the
solution will be acid (<7.0). If there is more hydroxyl
OH- ions the solution will be alkaline (>7.0). A
balance of hydrogen to hydroxyl ions yields a pH
neutral soil (=7.0). The range for most crops is 5.5 to
6.2 or slightly acidic. This creates the greatest
average level for availability for all essential plant
nutrients. Extreme fluctuations of higher or lower pH
can cause deficiency or toxicity of nutrients.
 The
following is a brief guideline of the role
of essential and beneficial mineral nutrients
that are crucial for growth. Eliminate any
one of these elements, and plants will
display abnormalities of growth, deficiency
symptoms, or may not reproduce normally.
 Nitrogen
is a major component of proteins,
hormones, chlorophyll, vitamins and enzymes
essential for plant life. Nitrogen metabolism
is a major factor in stem and leaf growth
(vegetative growth). Too much can delay
flowering and fruiting. Deficiencies can
reduce yields, cause yellowing of the leaves
and stunt growth.

Phosphorus is necessary for seed germination,
photosynthesis, protein formation and almost all
aspects of growth and metabolism in plants. It is
essential for flower and fruit formation. Low pH
(<4) results in phosphate being chemically locked
up in organic soils. Deficiency symptoms are
purple stems and leaves; maturity and growth
are retarded. Yields of fruit and flowers are
poor. Premature drop of fruits and flowers may
often occur. Phosphorus must be applied close to
the plant's roots in order for the plant to utilize
it. Large applications of phosphorus without
adequate levels of zinc can cause a zinc
deficiency.
 Potassium
is necessary for formation of sugars,
starches, carbohydrates, protein synthesis and
cell division in roots and other parts of the plant.
It helps to adjust water balance, improves stem
rigidity and cold hardiness, enhances flavor and
color on fruit and vegetable crops, increases the
oil content of fruits and is important for leafy
crops. Deficiencies result in low yields, mottled,
spotted or curled leaves, scorched or burned look
to leaves..
 Sulfur
is a structural component of amino acids,
proteins, vitamins and enzymes and is essential to
produce chlorophyll. It imparts flavor to many
vegetables. Deficiencies show as light green
leaves. Sulfur is readily lost by leaching from soils
and should be applied with a nutrient formula.
Some water supplies may contain Sulfur.
 Magnesium is a critical structural component of
the chlorophyll molecule and is necessary for
functioning of plant enzymes to produce
carbohydrates, sugars and fats. It is used for fruit
and nut formation and essential for germination
of seeds. Deficient plants appear chlorotic, show
yellowing between veins of older leaves; leaves
may droop. Magnesium is leached by watering
and must be supplied when feeding. It can be
applied as a foliar spray to correct deficiencies.
 Calcium
activates enzymes, is a structural
component of cell walls, influences water
movement in cells and is necessary for cell
growth and division. Some plants must have
calcium to take up nitrogen and other minerals.
Calcium is easily leached. Calcium, once
deposited in plant tissue, is immobile (nontranslocatable) so there must be a constant
supply for growth. Deficiency causes stunting of
new growth in stems, flowers and roots.
Symptoms range from distorted new growth to
black spots on leaves and fruit. Yellow leaf
margins may also appear.

Iron is necessary for many enzyme functions and
as a catalyst for the synthesis of chlorophyll. It is
essential for the young growing parts of plants.
Deficiencies are pale leaf color of young leaves
followed by yellowing of leaves and large veins.
Iron is lost by leaching and is held in the lower
portions of the soil structure. Under conditions
of high pH (alkaline) iron is rendered unavailable
to plants. When soils are alkaline, iron may be
abundant but unavailable. Applications of an
acid nutrient formula containing iron chelates,
held in soluble form, should correct the
problem.
Manganese is involved in enzyme activity for
photosynthesis, respiration, and nitrogen metabolism.
Deficiency in young leaves may show a network of
green veins on a light green background similar to an
iron deficiency. In the advanced stages the light green
parts become white, and leaves are shed. Brownish,
black, or grayish spots may appear next to the veins. In
neutral or alkaline soils plants often show deficiency
symptoms. In highly acid soils, manganese may be
available to the extent that it results in toxicity.
 Boron is necessary for cell wall formation, membrane
integrity, calcium uptake and may aid in the
translocation of sugars. Boron affects at least 16
functions in plants. These functions include flowering,
pollen germination, fruiting, cell division, water
relationships and the movement of hormones. Boron
must be available throughout the life of the plant. It is
not translocated and is easily leached from soils.
Deficiencies kill terminal buds leaving a rosette effect
on the plant. Leaves are thick, curled and brittle.
Fruits, tubers and roots are discolored, cracked and
flecked with brown spots.

Zinc is a component of enzymes or a functional
cofactor of a large number of enzymes including
auxins (plant growth hormones). It is essential to
carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis and
internodal elongation (stem growth). Deficient plants
have mottled leaves with irregular chlorotic areas.
Zinc deficiency leads to iron deficiency causing
similar symptoms. Deficiency occurs on eroded soils
and is least available at a pH range of 5.5 - 7.0.
Lowering the pH can render zinc more available to
the point of toxicity.
 Copper is concentrated in roots of plants and plays a
part in nitrogen metabolism. It is a component of
several enzymes and may be part of the enzyme
systems that use carbohydrates and proteins.
Deficiencies cause die back of the shoot tips, and
terminal leaves develop brown spots. Copper is
bound tightly in organic matter and may be deficient
in highly organic soils. It is not readily lost from soil
but may often be unavailable. Too much copper can
cause toxicity.

Molybdenum is a structural component of the
enzyme that reduces nitrates to ammonia. Without
it, the synthesis of proteins is blocked and plant
growth ceases. Root nodule (nitrogen fixing) bacteria
also require it. Seeds may not form completely, and
nitrogen deficiency may occur if plants are lacking
molybdenum. Deficiency signs are pale green leaves
with rolled or cupped margins.
 Chlorine is involved in osmosis (movement of water
or solutes in cells), the ionic balance necessary for
plants to take up mineral elements and in
photosynthesis. Deficiency symptoms include
wilting, stubby roots, chlorosis (yellowing) and
bronzing. Odors in some plants may be decreased.
Chloride, the ionic form of chlorine used by plants,
is usually found in soluble forms and is lost by
leaching. Some plants may show signs of toxicity if
levels are too high.

Nickel has just recently won the status as an essential
trace element for plants according to the Agricultural
Research Service Plant, Soil and Nutrition Laboratory in
Ithaca, NY. It is required for the enzyme urease to
break down urea to liberate the nitrogen into a usable
form for plants. Nickel is required for iron absorption.
Seeds need nickel in order to germinate. Plants grown
without additional nickel will gradually reach a
deficient level at about the time they mature and begin
reproductive growth. If nickel is deficient plants may
fail to produce viable seeds.
 Sodium is involved in osmotic (water movement) and
ionic balance in plants.
 Cobalt is required for nitrogen fixation in legumes and
in root nodules of nonlegumes. The demand for cobalt
is much higher for nitrogen fixation than for ammonium
nutrition. Deficient levels could result in nitrogen
deficiency symptoms.


Silicon is found as a component of cell walls.
Plants with supplies of soluble silicon produce
stronger, tougher cell walls making them a
mechanical barrier to piercing and sucking
insects. This significantly enhances plant heat
and drought tolerance. Foliar sprays of silicon
have also shown benefits reducing populations of
aphids on field crops. Tests have also found that
silicon can be deposited by the plants at the site
of infection by fungus to combat the penetration
of the cell walls by the attacking fungus.
Improved leaf erectness, stem strength and
prevention or depression of iron and manganese
toxicity have all been noted as effects from
silicon. Silicon has not been determined
essential for all plants but may be beneficial for
many.
THE BASICS OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS
• Almost all plants are photosynthetic autotrophs,
as are some bacteria and protists
– Autotrophs generate their own organic matter through
photosynthesis
– Sunlight energy is transformed to energy stored in the
form of chemical bonds
(c) Euglena
(b) Kelp
(a) Mosses, ferns, and
flowering plants
(d) Cyanobacteria
6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2
WHY ARE PLANTS GREEN?
Plant Cells
have Green
Chloroplasts
The thylakoid
membrane of the
chloroplast is
impregnated with
photosynthetic
pigments (i.e.,
chlorophylls,
carotenoids).
THE COLOR OF LIGHT SEEN IS THE COLOR NOT
ABSORBED
 Chloroplasts
absorb
light energy and
convert it to
chemical energy
Light
Reflected
light
Transmitted
light
Chloroplast
Absorbed
light
AN OVERVIEW OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS
 Photosynthesis
is the process by which autotrophic
organisms use light energy to make sugar and oxygen
gas from carbon dioxide and water
Carbon
dioxide
Water
Glucose
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Oxygen
gas
AN OVERVIEW OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS
 The
light reactions
convert solar energy
to chemical energy

Light
Chloroplast
Produce ATP & NADPH
• The Calvin cycle makes
sugar from carbon
dioxide
– ATP generated by the light
reactions provides the energy
for sugar synthesis
– The NADPH produced by the
light reactions provides the
electrons for the reduction of
carbon dioxide to glucose
NADP
ADP
+P
Light
reactions
Calvin
cycle
 Sunlight
provides
ENERGY
CO2 + H2O produces
Glucose + Oxygen
6CO2 + 6H2O
C6H12O6 + 6O2
 Light
hits reaction centers of chlorophyll, found
in chloroplasts
• Chlorophyll vibrates and causes water
to break apart.
• Oxygen is released into air
• Hydrogen remains in chloroplast
attached to NADPH
• “THE LIGHT REACTION”
 The
DARK Reactions= Calvin Cycle
• CO2 from atmosphere is joined to H
from water molecules (NADPH) to form
glucose
• Glucose can be converted into other
molecules with yummy flavors!
 In
most plants, photosynthesis occurs primarily in the
leaves, in the chloroplasts
 A chloroplast contains:


stroma, a fluid
grana, stacks of thylakoids
 The

thylakoids contain chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is the green pigment that captures light for
photosynthesis
 The
location and structure of chloroplasts
Chloroplast
LEAF CROSS SECTION
MESOPHYLL CELL
LEAF
Mesophyll
Intermembrane space
CHLOROPLAST
Outer
membrane
Granum
Grana
Stroma
Inner
membrane
Stroma
Thylakoid
Thylakoid
compartment
 Chloroplasts
–
–
–
–
contain several pigments
Chlorophyll a
Chlorophyll b
Carotenoids
Xanthophyll
Figure 7.7
•Chl a has a methyl
group
•Chl b has a carbonyl
group
Porphyrin ring
delocalized e-
Phytol tail
Cyclic Photophosphorylation
 Process
for ATP generation associated with
some Photosynthetic Bacteria
 Reaction Center => 700 nm
 Two
types of
photosystems cooperate
in the light reactions
ATP
mill
Water-splitting
photosystem
NADPH-producing
photosystem
Noncyclic Photophosphorylation
 Photosystem
II regains electrons by splitting
water, leaving O2 gas as a by-product
Primary
electron acceptor
Primary
electron acceptor
Photons
Energy for
synthesis of
PHOTOSYSTEM I
PHOTOSYSTEM II
by chemiosmosis
 The
O2 liberated by photosynthesis is made from the
oxygen in water (H+ and e-)
 Two
connected photosystems collect photons of light
and transfer the energy to chlorophyll electrons
 The excited electrons are passed from the primary
electron acceptor to electron transport chains

Their energy ends up in ATP and NADPH
 The
electron transport chains are arranged with the
photosystems in the thylakoid membranes and pump
H+ through that membrane


The flow of H+ back through the membrane is harnessed by
ATP synthase to make ATP
In the stroma, the H+ ions combine with NADP+ to form
NADPH
Primary
electron
acceptor
Primary
electron
acceptor
Energy
to make
NADP
3
2
Light
Light
Primary
electron
acceptor
1
Reactioncenter
chlorophyll
Water-splitting
photosystem
2 H + 1/2
NADPH-producing
photosystem
 The
production of ATP by chemiosmosis in
photosynthesis
Thylakoid
compartment
(high H+)
Light
Light
Thylakoid
membrane
Antenna
molecules
Stroma
(low H+)
ELECTRON TRANSPORT
CHAIN
PHOTOSYSTEM II
PHOTOSYSTEM I
ATP SYNTHASE
a. Overall input
light energy, H2O.
b. Overall output
ATP, NADPH, O2.
 Animation
is of the Calvin Cycle Note
what happens to the carbon dioxide and
what the end product is.
 Second animation of the Calvin Cycle
is very clear and even does the molecular
bookkeeping for you.
Carbon from CO2 is
converted to glucose
(ATP and NADPH
drive the reduction
of CO2 to C6H12O6.)
CO2 is added to the 5-C sugar RuBP by the
enzyme rubisco.
This unstable 6-C compound splits to two
molecules of PGA or 3-phosphoglyceric acid.
PGA is converted to Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate
(G3P), two of which bond to form glucose.
G3P is the 3-C sugar formed by three turns of the
cycle.
a. Overall input
CO2, ATP, NADPH.
b. Overall output
glucose.
A
summary of the
chemical
Light
processes of
photosynthesis
Chloroplast
Photosystem II
Electron
transport
chains
Photosystem I
CALVIN
CYCLE
Stroma
Cellular
respiration
Cellulose
Starch
LIGHT REACTIONS
CALVIN CYCLE
Other
organic
compounds
Light and Dark Reactions in Photosynthesis
Written by tutor Kathie Z.
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants
absorb light energy from the sun with the assistance of
water and carbon dioxide, and transform it into
chemical energy to make (synthesize) carbohydrate
(specifically glucose) and oxygen. Photosynthesis can be
summarized with this formula:
6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight (light energy) → C6H12O6 + 6O2
If you need a longer review, check out our lesson on
photosynthesis before reading on.
The "light-independent" or dark reactions happen in
the stroma of the chloroplasts. This is also known as
the Calvin Cycle. Since these processes
can only happen in the chloroplast (a chlorophyll filled
plastid in green plants), photosynthesis can only happen
in green plants!
The first overall principle of photosynthesis is that
the light energy from the sun is transformed into
chemical energy and stored in the bonds of
glucose (the sugar carbohydrate) for later use by
the plant and/or organism that eats the plant.
 The second overall principle of photosynthesis is
that carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms are
taken from carbon dioxide and water molecules
and are broken up and rearranged into new
substances: carbohydrate (specifically glucose)
and oxygen gas (so we can breathe, whew!). This
reaction represents the transfer of matter: carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere, water from the soil
or atmosphere, into sugar in the plant and oxygen
back into the atmosphere.



The first part of the process happens in the thylakoids of
the chloroplasts and are the "light-dependent" reactions:
The photosystems I and II absorb the photons from the
sunlight and process them through the membranes of
the thylakoids simultaneously. The photons excite electrons
in the chlorphyll which then move through the electron
transport chain and causes NADP- to combine with H+
forming NADPH. At the same time, ADP (adenosine
diphosphate) has come from the dark reaction and a third
phosphate chain is bonded forming ATP (adenosine
triphosphate) to feed the Calvin Cycle next. Remember that
ATP is the important source of all cellular energy.
We now believe that all the oxygen released in
photosynthesis comes from the water molecules and all
oxygen atoms that form the carbohydrates come from the
carbon dioxide molecules. So, in other words during the
light-dependent reaction a water molecule is broken down
producing two H+ ions and half an oxygen molecule. We get
the rest of the oxygen molecule when another water
molecule is broken down.
Dark reactions are also known as the Calvin Cycle, the
Calvin-Benson cycle, and light-independent reactions.
The point is that they do not require sunlight to
complete their process.
 After ATP is formed in the first part of photosynthesis,
for living things to grow, reproduce and repair
themselves, the inorganic form of CO2 must be
transformed into carbohydrate. This happens during
the Calvin Cycle in the stroma (the fluid filled interior
of the chloroplast). ATP and NADPH combine with
CO2 and water to make the end product of glucose.
The ADP and NADPH+ are recycled to the lightdependent side to start the process over.
 Remember that during hours of darkness, plants
cannot perform photosynthesis so they docellular
respiration in the mitochondria just as all living
organisms do.

 Nutrition
in mammals involves:
1. Ingestion of food into body
2. Digestion of food into smaller molecules that
can be absorbed into cells
3. Absorption and uptake of nutrients into cells
4. Assimilation: Use of nutrients for energy or
making protoplasm
5. Egestion: Removal of undigested and
unabsorbed material from the body
This involves the action of the digestive system,
which consists of the gut (tube stretching from
mouth to anus) and the other glands such as the
liver and pancreas.

1. Outer layer: Serosa (serous coat), secretes oily fluid to
reduce friction due to rubbing of the exterior of the organs
against each other.
2. Muscle layer: 2 layers of muscle (stomach has 3 layers)
arranged in rings (circular muscle), and lengthwise
(longitudinal muscle). These contract and relax to bring
about peristalsis to push food along the gut.
3. Submucosa (submucous coat): Layer with blood vessels.
Blood vessels are required to bring oxygen to gut cells, and
to bring digested food to other parts of body. [Sub just
means "under", hence the submucosa is just the layer below
the mucosa.]
4. Mucosa (Mucous coat): As the name suggests, the layer
contains the glands, which produce mucus (for lubrication
of food), as well as digestive enzymes and other substances
like acid. This is the layer nearest to the lumen of the gut.

1. Physical: Mechanical breakdown of food into
smaller particles, without the use of enzymes. Eg.
Mastication in buccal cavity, churning in stomach,
emulsification of fats in small intestine.
2. Chemical: Breakdown of food, involving the
breaking of chemical bonds, which hence requires
the action of enzymes. Eg. Digestion of amylase into
maltose by maltase.
Important note: When describing chemical digestion
processes, you must include in your answer:
1. Name of enzyme
2. Source of enzyme (where is enzyme made?)
3. Substrate that enzyme acts on
4. Product formed from reactio

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Eating well is important for all of us. In the short-term, it can help us to
feel good, look our best and stay at a healthy weight. In the long-term, a
healthy, balanced diet can reduce our risk of heart disease, diabetes,
osteoporosis and some cancers. But what exactly is a healthy, balanced
diet?
To eat a balanced diet you need to combine several different types of
foods - from each of the main food groups - in the right amounts so your
body gets all the nutrients it needs while maintaining a healthy weight.
This means you should eat:
Plenty of bread, rice potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods
Plenty of fruit and vegetables
Some milk, cheese and yoghurt
Some meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein
Very small amounts of fats and oils and
A very small amount or no foods and drinks high in fat, sugar and salt
In the Republic of Ireland the Food Pyramid is used and in Northern
Ireland the Eatwell Plate is used.
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Digestion essentially occurs in a series of tubes such as the
Oesophogus and Intestines as food passes through the body. A
number of other organs contribute to digestion by providing
enzymes for the breakdown of food.
Mouth: The mouth is the starting point of digestion. Here the
process of chewing starts to break down food and enzymes
such as salivary lipase and amylase also start to chemically
break down the food.
Oesophagus: Once you swallow the food moves into the
Oesophagus where continual waves of involuntary contraction
push the food into the stomach.
Stomach: The stomach has both a mechanical and a chemical
function in digestion. The upper part of the smooth
(involuntary) stomach muscle relaxes to allow a large
volume of food to be stored. The lower muscle then
contracts in a rhythmical manner in order to churn the food
inside and mix it together with the gastric acid (mainly
hydrochloric acid) and digestive enzymes Pepsin, Gelatinase
and Gastric Amylase and Lipase which break it down further.
The stomach must then empty its contents into the small
intestine.
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Small Intestine: Whilst in the small intestine food is
subjected to yet more enzymes, those from the
Pancreas and from the glands within the intestine
walls which break down carbohydrates and proteins.
It is also mixed with a product of the liver which is
stored and released into the intestine by the gall
bladder. This is commonly known as bile. Bile works
to dissolve fat so that it can be digested by the other
enzymes. Rhythmic smooth muscle contraction
continues within the small intestine and pushes the
digesting food through its narrow tube.
Once the food is completely broken down into its
individual components it is absorbed through the
intestinal walls, into the blood flow of the
capillaries which surround the intestine. To make this
process faster and more efficient the intestinal walls
contain numerous folds which are covered in fingerlike projections called villi. This vastly increases the
surface area of the intestine wall for molecules of
digested food to pass through.
 Large
Intestine: The large intestine
continues the foods journey and is the bodies
last chance to absorb any water and minerals
still remaining. The rest of the contents of
the large intestine is waste such as
undigestable pieces of food and fiber. This is
passed through to the rectum where it is
stored until you go to the toilet!
Enamel: The hardest, white outer part of the
tooth. Enamel is mostly made
ofcalcium phosphate, a rock-hard mineral.
 Dentine: A layer underlying the enamel. Dentine
is made of living cells, which secrete a hard
mineral substance.
 Pulp: The softer, living inner structure of
teeth. Blood vessels and nerves run through the
pulp of the teeth.
 Cementum: A layer of connective tissue that
binds the roots of the teeth firmly to
the gums and jawbone.
 Periodontal ligament: Tissue that helps hold the
teeth tightly against the jaw.
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 Incisors
(eight in total): The middle four
teeth on the upper and lower jaws.
 Canines (four in total): The pointed teeth
just outside the incisors.
 Premolars (eight in total): Teeth between the
canines and molars.
 Molars (eight in total): Flat teeth in the rear
of the mouth, best at grinding food.
 Wisdom teeth or third molars (four in total):
These teeth erupt at around the age of 18,
but are often surgically removed to prevent
displacement of other teeth.