Which term means making use of absorbed food molecules?

Which term means making use of absorbed food molecules?

• A. Assimilation
• B. Absorption
• C. Digestion
• D. Egestion

Answer: (A)

Making use of absorbed food molecules is assimilation. After digestion breaks food into small molecules and they’re absorbed into the bloodstream, assimilation is the process by which those nutrients are taken up by body cells and used to build the body's own molecules, provide energy, and support growth and repair. For example, absorbed amino acids are used to make proteins, glucose can be burned in respiration for energy, and fatty acids can be used to make fats or membranes. This is different from digestion (breaking food down), absorption (taking digested nutrients into the bloodstream), and egestion (removing undigested waste).

Making use of absorbed food molecules is assimilation. After digestion breaks food into small molecules and they’re absorbed into the bloodstream, assimilation is the process by which those nutrients are taken up by body cells and used to build the body's own molecules, provide energy, and support growth and repair. For example, absorbed amino acids are used to make proteins, glucose can be burned in respiration for energy, and fatty acids can be used to make fats or membranes. This is different from digestion (breaking food down), absorption (taking digested nutrients into the bloodstream), and egestion (removing undigested waste).