Life Processes: Nutrition, Digestion & Adolescence: 35 flashcards
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1. What is the alimentary canal?
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A long tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus, where food is broken down, absorbed, and waste is expelled.
2. What is mechanical digestion?
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The initial breakdown of food into fine pieces by crushing and chewing with teeth.
3. Why does chapati taste sweet after chewing for a long time?
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Saliva contains a digestive juice that breaks starch (a carbohydrate) into sugar.
4. What does iodine solution test for, and what colour indicates a positive result?
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Iodine tests for starch; it turns blue-black when starch is present.
5. How does food move down the oesophagus?
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The walls of the food pipe gently contract and relax in a wave-like motion to push food down.
6. What three things does the stomach secretion contain?
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Digestive juice, acid, and mucus.
7. What is the role of mucus in the stomach?
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It protects the stomach lining from the acid, preventing damage.
8. How long is the small intestine?
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About 6 metres — the longest part of the alimentary canal.
9. What does bile do?
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Bile is mildly basic; it neutralises stomach acid and breaks fats into tiny droplets.
10. What does pancreatic juice break down?
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Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; it is also basic and neutralises acid.
11. What are villi (finger-like projections) and what do they do?
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Thin finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for efficient nutrient absorption.
12. What is absorption?
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The process by which digested nutrients pass from the small intestine into blood vessels in its walls.
13. What does the large intestine absorb?
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Water and some salts from undigested food, making the waste semi-solid (stool).
14. What is egestion?
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The process of expelling stool through the anus.
15. What is rumination?
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The process in ruminants where partially digested food is brought back to the mouth for thorough chewing.
16. What is a gizzard and which animals have it?
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A chamber in birds where food is broken down by contraction and relaxation of its walls, often with grit.
17. What is the difference between breathing and respiration?
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Breathing is the physical process of inhaling and exhaling air; respiration is the chemical process of releasing energy from glucose using oxygen.
18. Trace the respiratory pathway.
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Nostrils → nasal passages → windpipe → lungs → alveoli.
19. What happens to the ribs and diaphragm during inhalation?
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Ribs move up and outwards; the diaphragm moves downwards, increasing chest space and drawing air in.
20. What happens to the ribs and diaphragm during exhalation?
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Ribs move down and inwards; the diaphragm moves upwards, reducing space and pushing air out.
21. Where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?
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In the alveoli — thin-walled balloon-like sacs surrounded by blood vessels.
22. Write the word equation for respiration.
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Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy.
23. What percentage of oxygen and carbon dioxide is in inhaled vs exhaled air?
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Inhaled: ~21% O₂, ~0.04% CO₂. Exhaled: ~16–17% O₂, ~4–5% CO₂.
24. How do fish breathe?
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Through gills, which are richly supplied with blood vessels and exchange gases with water.
25. How do tadpoles and adult frogs breathe differently?
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Tadpoles breathe through gills; adult frogs use lungs on land and skin in water.
26. How do earthworms exchange gases?
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Through their moist skin.
27. What is adolescence?
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The period of transition from childhood to adulthood, typically between ages 10–19.
28. What are secondary sexual characteristics?
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Features that distinguish males from females but are not directly involved in reproduction (e.g., voice change, facial hair, breast development).
29. What is puberty?
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The stage in which the body undergoes external and internal changes to develop into an adult capable of reproduction.
30. What is menstruation?
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The phase of the menstrual cycle when blood discharge occurs from the body, lasting three to seven days.
31. What is the Adam's apple?
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The bump in the throat region caused by growth of the voice box in adolescent boys.
32. Why do pimples appear during adolescence?
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Increased oily secretions from the skin clog pores and lead to infections (acne).
33. What is substance abuse?
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Regular use of harmful, addictive substances like tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, driven by a strong urge to take them repeatedly.
34. What are hormones?
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Chemicals produced in the body that regulate growth, development, and various functions, released in response to brain signals.
35. What is cyberbullying?
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Using digital devices or online platforms to harass others by sending misleading messages, spreading rumours, or sharing personal information without consent.
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