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Multiple Choice
Which of the following substances is most likely to be absorbed in the stomach?
A
Amino acids
B
Fatty acids
C
Alcohol (ethanol)
D
Glucose
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the function of the stomach in digestion: The stomach primarily serves to break down food mechanically and chemically, using gastric acid and enzymes. It is not the primary site for nutrient absorption; most absorption occurs in the small intestine.
Identify the substances listed in the problem: Amino acids, fatty acids, alcohol (ethanol), and glucose. Consider their chemical properties and how they interact with the stomach lining.
Recognize that alcohol (ethanol) is unique among the listed substances because it is small, water-soluble, and can diffuse across the stomach lining directly into the bloodstream. This makes it more likely to be absorbed in the stomach compared to the other substances.
Understand why the other substances are not absorbed in the stomach: Amino acids and glucose are larger molecules that require active transport mechanisms, which are primarily found in the small intestine. Fatty acids are absorbed after emulsification and digestion in the small intestine.
Conclude that alcohol (ethanol) is the correct answer because its chemical properties allow it to be absorbed in the stomach, unlike the other substances listed.