Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

39. Digestive System

Digestion

General Biology

39. Digestive System

Digestion

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2:28 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

There are several key concepts introduced in this chapter: Structure correlates with function; an animal's body has a hierarchy of organization with emergent properties at each level; and complex bodies have structural adaptations that increase surface area for exchange. Label the tissue layers shown in this section of the small intestine, and describe how this diagram illustrates these three concepts.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Identify the labeled structures in the diagram. The labels correspond to different layers of the small intestine: (a) Microvilli, (b) Mucosa, (c) Muscularis, (d) Sub-serous layer, and (e) Serosa.

Step 2: Understand the hierarchy of organization in the small intestine. The microvilli (a) are part of the mucosa (b), which is the innermost layer responsible for nutrient absorption. The muscularis (c) is responsible for peristalsis, the movement of food through the digestive tract. The sub-serous layer (d) and serosa (e) provide structural support and protection.

Step 3: Relate structure to function. The microvilli (a) increase the surface area for nutrient absorption, illustrating the concept that structure correlates with function. The mucosa (b) contains specialized cells for secretion and absorption, while the muscularis (c) facilitates movement.

Step 4: Discuss emergent properties. Each layer contributes to the overall function of the small intestine. For example, the mucosa's ability to absorb nutrients is enhanced by the microvilli, and the muscularis ensures efficient transport of food, demonstrating how emergent properties arise from the organization of tissues.

Step 5: Explain structural adaptations. The microvilli (a) are a key adaptation that increases surface area for exchange, allowing the small intestine to efficiently absorb nutrients. This diagram illustrates how complex bodies are organized to optimize function through structural adaptations.

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Key Concepts

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

Structure and Function

The principle of structure correlating with function suggests that the physical form of a biological structure is closely related to its role in the organism. For example, the small intestine's villi and microvilli increase surface area, enhancing nutrient absorption. This relationship is fundamental in biology, as it explains how adaptations arise to meet specific physiological needs.

Hierarchy of Organization

Biological systems are organized in a hierarchical manner, from cells to tissues, organs, and systems. Each level of this hierarchy exhibits emergent properties, meaning that the whole exhibits characteristics that are not present in its individual parts. In the small intestine, for instance, the arrangement of epithelial cells into layers allows for complex functions like digestion and absorption, which are essential for survival.

Surface Area Adaptations

Complex bodies often develop structural adaptations that maximize surface area for processes such as exchange and absorption. In the small intestine, the presence of folds, villi, and microvilli significantly increases the surface area available for nutrient absorption. This adaptation is crucial for efficient digestion, allowing the organism to extract maximum nutrients from food.

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