Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Carbohydrates

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Carbohydrates

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1:05 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

Cows can derive nutrients from cellulose becausea. they produce enzymes that recognize the shape of the glucose-glucose bonds and hydrolyze them.b. they re-chew their cud to break down cellulose fibers.c. their digestive tract contains microorganisms that can hydrolyze the bonds of cellulose.d. they convert cellulose to starch and can digest starch.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that cellulose is a complex carbohydrate composed of glucose units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds, which are difficult for most animals to digest.

Recognize that most animals, including humans, lack the enzyme cellulase, which is necessary to break down these β-1,4-glycosidic bonds in cellulose.

Consider the role of microorganisms in the digestive systems of herbivores like cows, which can produce cellulase and other enzymes to break down cellulose.

Evaluate the options given: (a) Cows do not produce the enzyme themselves; (b) Re-chewing helps physically break down fibers but does not chemically digest cellulose; (c) Microorganisms in the cow's rumen produce cellulase, enabling cellulose digestion; (d) Cows do not convert cellulose to starch.

Conclude that the correct answer is related to the presence of microorganisms in the cow's digestive tract that can hydrolyze cellulose.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cellulose Digestion

Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate that forms the structural component of plant cell walls. Cows, as ruminants, have specialized digestive systems that allow them to break down cellulose through fermentation. This process is facilitated by microorganisms in their rumen, which produce enzymes capable of hydrolyzing the β-1,4-glycosidic bonds in cellulose.

Rumen Microbiota

The rumen is the first chamber of a cow's stomach, housing a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. These microbes play a crucial role in breaking down cellulose and other complex carbohydrates, converting them into volatile fatty acids, which serve as a primary energy source for the cow. This symbiotic relationship is essential for the cow's ability to extract nutrients from fibrous plant material.

Cud Chewing (Rumination)

Rumination is the process by which cows re-chew their cud, which consists of partially digested food. This behavior aids in further breaking down cellulose fibers, increasing the surface area for microbial action in the rumen. By re-chewing, cows enhance the efficiency of their digestion, allowing for better nutrient absorption from fibrous plant materials.