Scribd
Upload
30 views

Assimilation of Simple Soluble Food Substances

Assimilation is the process of incorporating absorbed nutrients into the body's cells for growth and energy. Simple soluble food substances like glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids are absorbed in the small intestine, transported to the liver, and utilized for energy production, storage, and tissue repair. The liver plays a crucial role in regulating nutrient distribution and maintaining homeostasis.

Uploaded by

balekenglarona
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
30 views

Assimilation of Simple Soluble Food Substances

Assimilation is the process of incorporating absorbed nutrients into the body's cells for growth and energy. Simple soluble food substances like glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids are absorbed in the small intestine, transported to the liver, and utilized for energy production, storage, and tissue repair. The liver plays a crucial role in regulating nutrient distribution and maintaining homeostasis.

Uploaded by

balekenglarona
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Assimilation of Simple Soluble Food Substances

Assimilation is the process by which absorbed nutrients are incorporated into the body's cells and
tissues for growth, energy production, and repair. After digestion and absorption in the small
intestine, simple soluble food substances such as glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, and glycerol
are transported via the bloodstream to different body cells for various functions.

1. Assimilation of Carbohydrates (Glucose)

• Absorption: Glucose is absorbed into the blood through the small intestine.

• Transport: It travels via the hepatic portal vein to the liver.

• Utilization:

o Used in cellular respiration to produce energy (ATP).

o Excess glucose is converted into glycogen for storage in the liver and muscles
(glycogenesis).

o If needed, glycogen is converted back into glucose (glycogenolysis).

o In case of excess glucose, it can be converted into fat and stored in adipose tissue.

2. Assimilation of Proteins (Amino Acids)

• Absorption: Amino acids are absorbed into the bloodstream through the small intestine.

• Transport: They are carried to the liver via the hepatic portal vein.

• Utilization:

o Used for protein synthesis, forming enzymes, hormones, and body tissues
(muscles, skin, and blood).

o Excess amino acids undergo deamination in the liver, where the amino group is
removed and converted into urea (excreted via urine), while the remaining part is
converted into glucose or fat for energy storage.

3. Assimilation of Lipids (Fats and Oils)

• Absorption: Fatty acids and glycerol enter the lymphatic system and then the
bloodstream.

• Transport: They are transported as chylomicrons through the lymphatic system into the
bloodstream.

• Utilization:
o Used as a source of energy when glucose levels are low.

o Stored as adipose tissue under the skin and around organs for insulation and
protection.

o Used in the formation of cell membranes (phospholipids) and synthesis of


hormones.

Summary Table

Nutrient Absorption Transport Utilization

Transported via
Glucose Absorbed in the Used for energy, stored as
hepatic portal vein to
(Carbohydrates) small intestine glycogen, or converted into fat
the liver

Transported via Used for tissue repair,


Amino Acids Absorbed in the
hepatic portal vein to enzyme/hormone production,
(Proteins) small intestine
the liver excess undergoes deamination

Absorbed in the Transported via the Used for energy, stored as fat,
Fatty Acids &
small intestine lymphatic system and forms cell membranes and
Glycerol (Lipids)
(lacteals) bloodstream hormones

Conclusion

Assimilation ensures that the body utilizes absorbed nutrients for growth, energy, and tissue
repair. The liver plays a key role in regulating the distribution and storage of these nutrients,
maintaining overall homeostasis.

You might also like