Problem 3 - Biology: The Dynamic Science

Question

The order of successive steps in digestion is: a. absorption follows enzymatic hydrolysis. b. secretion of enzymes follows absorption of digestive material. c. mechanical processing follows enzyme secretion. d. mechanical processing follows enzymatic hydrolysis. e. enzymatic hydrolysis precedes secretion of digestive aids.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct order of the options provided in terms of the process of digestion is: mechanical processing, enzymatic hydrolysis, absorption, and secretion of enzymes. Hence, the correct answer is '(a) absorption follows enzymatic hydrolysis'.

Step 1: Identify the Correct First Step

From the given options, the initiation of digestion starts with mechanical processing. Hence, '(c) mechanical processing follows enzyme secretion' is incorrect as mechanical processing occurs first.

Step 2: Identify the Correct Second Step

After mechanical processing, enzymatic hydrolysis takes place, where food is chemically broken down using enzymes. Hence, '(e) enzymatic hydrolysis precedes secretion of digestive aids' is also incorrect since enzymatic hydrolysis comes after mechanical processing.

Step 3: Identify the Correct Third Step

Upon enzymatic hydrolysis, absorption follows. The broken-down nutrients are absorbed by the cells of the small intestine. Therefore, '(a) absorption follows enzymatic hydrolysis' is correct.

Step 4: Identify the Correct Fourth Step

The final step is the secretion of enzymes which is initiated in response to the presence of food in the stomach. Nevertheless, '(b) secretion of enzymes follows absorption of digestive material' is incorrect as secretion of enzymes begins prior to absorption.

Step 5: Identify the Correct Fifth Step

'(d) mechanical processing follows enzymatic hydrolysis' is incorrect because mechanical processing actually precedes enzymatic hydrolysis in the first step of digestion.