Question 1

Which organ is primarily responsible for the chemical digestion of proteins, and what enzyme is involved in this process?

Accepted Answer

Stomach; pepsin

Question 2

What is the main function of the villi and microvilli in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

To increase the surface area for absorption

Question 3

Which hormone is released to stimulate hunger, and where is it produced?

Accepted Answer

Ghrelin; stomach

Question 4

A patient presents with frequent, watery stools and dehydration. Which gastrointestinal disorder is most likely, and what is a key risk for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Diarrhea; risk of severe dehydration

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a synbiotic food?

Accepted Answer

Yogurt with apples and bananas

Question 6

What is the primary mechanism by which glucose is absorbed in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 7

Which accessory organ produces bile, and what is the function of bile in digestion?

Accepted Answer

Liver; emulsifies fats

Question 8

A person with celiac disease must avoid foods containing which protein, and what is the consequence of consuming it?

Accepted Answer

Gluten; damage to the small intestine villi

Question 9

Which process describes the movement of food through the esophagus to the stomach?

Accepted Answer

Peristalsis

Question 10

Which equation best represents the concentration gradient for passive diffusion across a cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

$J = -D \frac{dC}{dx}$

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a function of the gut microbiome?

Accepted Answer

Producing bile

Question 12

Which mechanism allows nutrients to move from low to high concentration across the intestinal membrane?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the action of segmentation in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Breaks food into smaller pieces and mixes with digestive enzymes

Question 14

Which equation represents the energy requirement for active transport of nutrients?

Accepted Answer

$\Delta G = \Delta G^0 + RT \ln \frac{[C]_2}{[C]_1}$

Question 15

Which of the following is a plausible cause of 'leaky gut' syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Degradation of the gut microbiome due to antibiotics

Question 16

Which nutrient absorption pathway is used for fat-soluble vitamins?

Accepted Answer

Lymphatic vessels to bloodstream

Question 17

Which of the following foods is a source of probiotics?

Accepted Answer

Yogurt

Question 18

A patient with persistent heartburn is diagnosed with GERD. Which sphincter is most likely weakened?

Accepted Answer

Gastroesophageal sphincter

Question 19

Which equation describes the rate of enzyme-catalyzed digestion in the GI tract?

Accepted Answer

$v = \frac{V_{max} [S]}{K_m + [S]}$

Question 20

Which of the following is a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Accepted Answer

Abdominal cramps and bloating

The Gastrointestinal System: Digestion, Absorption, and Disorders

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards