NEET 2024: Expected Digestion & Absorption Questions Made Simple, Explained

NEET 2024: Digestion & Absorption Questions Made Easy

INTRODUCTION-

Welcome to Globeopedia, your go-to destination for simplified explanations and comprehensive resources to ace the NEET 2024 exam! We understand the challenges aspiring medical students face, especially when it comes to mastering complex topics like digestion and absorption. That's why we're dedicated to providing straightforward explanations and effective study materials to help you succeed. In this section, we'll break down NEET 2024's digestion and absorption questions in a clear and concise manner, ensuring that you grasp the concepts with ease. Let's dive in and simplify your journey to acing the exam!

Question: Which enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of proteins into peptides in the stomach?

a) Pancreatic lipase

b) Pepsin

c) Trypsin

d) Amylase

Answer: b) Pepsin

Explanation: Pepsin is an enzyme produced in the stomach that breaks down proteins into peptides through hydrolysis.

Question: In which part of the digestive system are most nutrients absorbed into the bloodstream?

a) Stomach

b) Large intestine

c) Small intestine

d) Esophagus

Answer: c) Small intestine

Explanation: The majority of nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine, particularly in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, where nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal wall.

Question: What is the primary function of bile in the digestive process?

a) Emulsification of fats

b) Digestion of proteins

c) Activation of enzymes

d) Neutralization of stomach acid

Answer: a) Emulsification of fats

Explanation: Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, emulsifies fats into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for digestion by lipase enzymes.

Question: Which of the following is NOT a function of the small intestine in digestion?

a) Absorption of nutrients

b) Secretion of digestive enzymes

c) Mixing and propulsion of food

d) Neutralization of stomach acid

Answer: d) Neutralization of stomach acid

Explanation: While the small intestine does participate in the neutralization of stomach acid to create a more favorable environment for enzyme activity, it is not its primary function.

Question: What is the name of the finger-like projections lining the small intestine that increase its surface area for nutrient absorption?

a) Rugae

b) Villi

c) Plicae circulares

d) Gastric glands

Answer: b) Villi

Explanation: Villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption and contain blood vessels and lacteals.

Question: Which of the following is NOT a component of pancreatic juice?

a) Amylase

b) Lipase

c) Pepsin

d) Trypsin

Answer: c) Pepsin

Explanation: Pepsin is produced in the stomach, not in the pancreas. Pancreatic juice contains enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and trypsin.

Question: What is the role of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach during digestion?

a) Emulsification of fats

b) Activation of pepsinogen to pepsin

c) Neutralization of bile

d) Breakdown of carbohydrates

Answer: b) Activation of pepsinogen to pepsin

Explanation: Hydrochloric acid activates the inactive form of the enzyme pepsinogen into its active form, pepsin, which then begins the digestion of proteins in the stomach.

Question: Which of the following is NOT a type of nutrient absorbed in the small intestine?

a) Carbohydrates

b) Proteins

c) Fats

d) Water

Answer: d) Water

Explanation: While water is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, it is primarily absorbed throughout the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract, not just in the small intestine.

Question: What is the term for the process by which nutrients move from the lumen of the intestine into the bloodstream?

a) Digestion

b) Assimilation

c) Absorption

d) Secretion

Answer: c) Absorption

Explanation: Absorption is the process by which nutrients are taken up from the lumen of the intestine into the bloodstream or lymphatic system for transport to cells throughout the body.

Question: Which hormone stimulates the secretion of bile from the gallbladder and pancreatic juice from the pancreas?

a) Gastrin

b) Secretin

c) Cholecystokinin (CCK)

d) Ghrelin

Answer: c) Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Certainly! Here are 10 more NEET-style questions on digestion and absorption along with explanations:

Question: What is the main function of the enzyme amylase in the digestive system?

a) Breakdown of proteins

b) Emulsification of fats

c) Digestion of carbohydrates

d) Hydrolysis of nucleic acids

Answer: c) Digestion of carbohydrates

Explanation: Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates (starches) into simpler sugars like maltose and glucose.

Question: Where does the process of chemical digestion primarily occur?

a) Esophagus

b) Stomach

c) Small intestine

d) Large intestine

Answer: c) Small intestine

Explanation: While mechanical digestion begins in the mouth and continues in the stomach, the majority of chemical digestion occurs in the small intestine where enzymes from the pancreas and small intestine break down food molecules.

Question: Which of the following organs is NOT part of the digestive system?

a) Liver

b) Pancreas

c) Spleen

d) Gallbladder

Answer: c) Spleen

Explanation: The spleen is not directly involved in the digestive process. It is part of the lymphatic system and primarily functions in immune response and blood filtration.

Question: What is the function of mucus in the stomach lining?

a) Emulsification of fats

b) Protection of stomach lining from acid

c) Activation of pepsinogen to pepsin

d) Digestion of carbohydrates

Answer: b) Protection of stomach lining from acid

Explanation: Mucus secreted by gastric glands in the stomach forms a protective barrier that prevents the stomach lining from being damaged by the acidic environment and digestive enzymes.

Question: Which of the following is NOT a function of the large intestine?

a) Absorption of water and electrolytes

b) Formation of feces

c) Digestion of carbohydrates

d) Synthesis of vitamins

Answer: c) Digestion of carbohydrates

Explanation: While the large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes, forms feces, and synthesizes some vitamins (such as vitamin K), it does not play a significant role in carbohydrate digestion.

Question: What is the primary function of the enzyme lipase?

a) Breakdown of proteins

b) Digestion of lipids (fats)

c) Digestion of carbohydrates

d) Hydrolysis of nucleic acids

Answer: b) Digestion of lipids (fats)

Explanation: Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down lipids (fats) into fatty acids and glycerol.

Question: Which of the following is a function of the gallbladder?

a) Production of bile

b) Storage and concentration of bile

c) Secretion of digestive enzymes

d) Absorption of nutrients

Answer: b) Storage and concentration of bile

Explanation: The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, releasing it into the small intestine to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats.

Question: What is the name of the process by which food is moved through the digestive tract via muscular contractions?

a) Peristalsis

b) Absorption

c) Segmentation

d) Emulsification

Answer: a) Peristalsis

Explanation: Peristalsis is the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of muscles in the gastrointestinal tract that propels food and digestive products along the digestive tract.

Question: Which of the following substances is NOT absorbed in the small intestine?

a) Water

b) Glucose

c) Amino acids

d) Vitamin B12

Answer: d) Vitamin B12

Explanation: While the small intestine absorbs water, glucose, and amino acids, vitamin B12 is primarily absorbed in the ileum of the small intestine.

Question: What is the role of lacteals in the absorption of nutrients?

a) Absorption of water

b) Absorption of lipids (fats)

c) Absorption of glucose

d) Absorption of amino acids

Answer: b) Absorption of lipids (fats)

Explanation: Lacteals are specialized lymphatic vessels located in the villi of the small intestine that absorb dietary fats (lipids) and fat-soluble vitamins and transport them to the bloodstream.

Question: What is the role of bile salts in fat digestion and absorption?

a) Emulsification of fats

b) Activation of lipase

c) Inhibition of gastric acid secretion

d) Formation of chylomicrons

Answer: a) Emulsification of fats

Explanation: Bile salts emulsify large fat droplets into smaller ones, increasing the surface area for lipase enzymes to act upon, thus aiding in fat digestion and absorption.

Question: Which of the following enzymes is responsible for the breakdown of disaccharides into monosaccharides in the small intestine?

a) Sucrase

b) Lactase

c) Maltase

d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation: Sucrase, lactase, and maltase are enzymes produced by the small intestine that break down disaccharides (sucrose, lactose, and maltose, respectively) into their constituent monosaccharides.

Question: What is the function of the enzyme trypsin in digestion?

a) Breakdown of proteins

b) Emulsification of fats

c) Digestion of carbohydrates

d) Hydrolysis of nucleic acids

Answer: a) Breakdown of proteins

Explanation: Trypsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids in the small intestine.

Question: Which of the following vitamins is primarily absorbed in the ileum of the small intestine?

a) Vitamin C

b) Vitamin B12

c) Vitamin A

d) Vitamin D

Answer: b) Vitamin B12

Explanation: Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is primarily absorbed in the ileum of the small intestine, facilitated by intrinsic factor secreted by gastric parietal cells.

Question: What is the name of the enzyme found in saliva that begins the digestion of carbohydrates?

a) Amylase

b) Pepsin

c) Lipase

d) Trypsin

Answer: a) Amylase

Explanation: Amylase is an enzyme found in saliva (salivary amylase) and pancreatic juice (pancreatic amylase) that begins the digestion of carbohydrates by breaking down starches into simpler sugars like maltose and glucose.

Question: What is the primary function of the enzyme lipase in the digestive system?

a) Breakdown of proteins

b) Digestion of lipids (fats)

c) Digestion of carbohydrates

d) Hydrolysis of nucleic acids

Answer: b) Digestion of lipids (fats)

Explanation: Lipase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of dietary triglycerides (fats) into fatty acids and glycerol, facilitating fat digestion and absorption.

Question: Which of the following substances is absorbed through passive diffusion in the small intestine?

a) Glucose

b) Amino acids

c) Fatty acids

d) Water

Answer: d) Water

Explanation: Water is absorbed through passive diffusion across the epithelial cells lining the small intestine, driven by osmotic gradients.

Question: What is the primary function of the enzyme lactase?

a) Breakdown of sucrose

b) Breakdown of lactose

c) Breakdown of maltose

d) Breakdown of cellulose

Answer: b) Breakdown of lactose

Explanation: Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose (milk sugar) into its constituent monosaccharides, glucose, and galactose.

Question: Which of the following organs secretes bile?

a) Liver

b) Gallbladder

c) Stomach

d) Pancreas

Answer: a) Liver

Explanation: Bile is produced by the liver and stored and concentrated in the gallbladder before being released into the small intestine.

Question: What is the primary function of the enzyme maltase?

a) Breakdown of sucrose

b) Breakdown of lactose

c) Breakdown of maltose

d) Breakdown of cellulose

Answer: c) Breakdown of maltose

Explanation: Maltase is an enzyme that breaks down maltose (a disaccharide) into two molecules of glucose.

Question: Which enzyme is responsible for the final breakdown of proteins into amino acids in the small intestine?

a) Pepsin

b) Trypsin

c) Peptidase

d) Lipase

Answer: c) Peptidase

Explanation: Peptidase enzymes, including aminopeptidase and dipeptidase, are responsible for the final breakdown of proteins into individual amino acids in the small intestine.

Question: What is the role of gastrin in the digestive system?

a) Stimulates secretion of gastric acid

b) Stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion

c) Inhibits gastric motility

d) Enhances bile production

Answer: a) Stimulates secretion of gastric acid

Explanation: Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates the secretion of gastric acid (HCl) by the parietal cells of the stomach in response to the presence of food.

Question: Which of the following substances is NOT absorbed in the stomach?

a) Water

b) Alcohol

c) Vitamin C

d) Amino acids

Answer: d) Amino acids

Explanation: While the stomach can absorb small amounts of water, alcohol, and some drugs, it does not absorb significant nutrients like amino acids. Nutrient absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine.

Question: What is the primary function of the enzyme sucrase?

a) Breakdown of sucrose

b) Breakdown of lactose

c) Breakdown of maltose

d) Breakdown of cellulose

Answer: a) Breakdown of sucrose

Explanation: Sucrase (also known as invertase) is an enzyme that breaks down sucrose (table sugar) into its constituent monosaccharides, glucose, and fructose.

Question: Which of the following substances is absorbed through facilitated diffusion in the small intestine?

a) Glucose

b) Amino acids

c) Fatty acids

d) Water

Answer: a) Glucose

Explanation: Glucose is absorbed through facilitated diffusion via specific membrane transporters in the epithelial cells lining the small intestine.

Question: What is the function of the enzyme amylase in the small intestine?

a) Breakdown of proteins

b) Breakdown of lipids (fats)

c) Breakdown of carbohydrates

d) Breakdown of nucleic acids

Answer: c) Breakdown of carbohydrates

Explanation: Amylase continues the breakdown of complex carbohydrates (starches) into simpler sugars like maltose and glucose in the small intestine.

Question: What is the primary function of the enzyme lactase?

a) Breakdown of sucrose

b) Breakdown of lactose

c) Breakdown of maltose

d) Breakdown of cellulose

Answer: b) Breakdown of lactose

Explanation: Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose (milk sugar) into its constituent monosaccharides, glucose, and galactose.

Question: What is the role of intrinsic factor in the absorption of nutrients?

a) Facilitates absorption of water-soluble vitamins

b) Facilitates absorption of fat-soluble vitamins

c) Facilitates absorption of iron

d) Facilitates absorption of calcium

Answer: c) Facilitates absorption of iron

Explanation: Intrinsic factor, produced by parietal cells of the stomach, is required for the absorption of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and facilitates its absorption in the ileum of the small intestine.

Question: Which hormone inhibits gastric emptying and regulates the rate at which chyme enters the small intestine?

a) Gastrin

b) Secretin

c) Cholecystokinin (CCK)

d) Ghrelin

Answer: c) Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Explanation: Cholecystokinin (CCK) is released by the small intestine in response to the presence of fats and proteins and inhibits gastric emptying, allowing for the slow and controlled entry of chyme into the small intestine.

Question: What is the function of bile in the digestion and absorption of fats?

a) Emulsification of fats

b) Activation of lipase

c) Inhibition of lipase

d) Neutralization of stomach acid

Answer: a) Emulsification of fats

Explanation: Bile emulsifies large fat droplets into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for lipase enzymes to digest fats into fatty acids and monoglycerides for absorption.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering digestion and absorption is crucial for NEET 2024 success. Simplified explanations and effective study strategies will help you confidently tackle exam questions and achieve your goals.