Nutrition
Overview
Nutrition is the foundation of biology: plants build glucose from sunlight through photosynthesis, and animals break complex food molecules into absorbable nutrients through digestion. Both processes keep cells supplied with the energy and raw materials they need to survive.
In this lesson you will explore photosynthesis (its equation, limiting factors and leaf adaptations), balanced diets, the human digestive system, and how the small intestine is built for efficient absorption. These topics appear across both Biology papers in the Double Award exam.
Objectives
- Understand the process of photosynthesis and its importance in the conversion of light energy to chemical energy
- Know the word equation and the balanced chemical symbol equation for photosynthesis
- Understand how varying carbon dioxide concentration, light intensity and temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis
- Describe the structure of the leaf and explain how it is adapted for photosynthesis
- Understand that plants require mineral ions for growth, and that magnesium ions are needed for chlorophyll and nitrate ions are needed for amino acids
- Investigate photosynthesis, showing the evolution of oxygen from a water plant, the production of starch and the requirements of light, carbon dioxide and chlorophyll
- Understand that a balanced diet should include appropriate proportions of carbohydrate, protein, lipid, vitamins, minerals, water and dietary fibre
- Identify the sources and describe the functions of carbohydrate, protein, lipid, vitamins A, C and D, the mineral ions calcium and iron, water and dietary fibre as components of the diet
- Understand how energy requirements vary with activity levels, age and pregnancy
- Describe the structure and function of the human alimentary canal
- Understand how food is moved through the gut by peristalsis
- Understand the role of digestive enzymes, including the digestion of starch to glucose by amylase and maltase, the digestion of proteins to amino acids by proteases and the digestion of lipids to fatty acids and glycerol by lipases
- Understand that bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder
- Understand the role of bile in neutralising stomach acid and emulsifying lipids
- Understand how the small intestine is adapted for absorption, including the structure of a villus
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Nutrition. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which pigment absorbs light energy for photosynthesis? A) Carotene B) Chlorophyll C) Haemoglobin D) Melanin Answer: B
- What is the role of bile in digestion? A) It chemically digests protein B) It emulsifies lipids and neutralises stomach acid C) It absorbs glucose in the small intestine D) It produces amylase Answer: B
- Which mineral ion is needed for making chlorophyll? A) Iron B) Calcium C) Nitrate D) Magnesium Answer: D
- Where does most chemical digestion and absorption of food take place? A) Stomach B) Large intestine C) Small intestine D) Mouth Answer: C
- Which of the following is NOT a limiting factor for photosynthesis? A) Temperature B) Oxygen concentration C) Light intensity D) Carbon dioxide concentration Answer: B
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Practice Mock Questions
Want to practice mock questions on Nutrition? Download the Green Bridge CBT app to access mock questions and full practice assessments for this topic.
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