NUTRITION

MCQS
2008
22. The flap like cartilage which prevents the entry of food into the windpipe is known as the

A. Glottis
B. Pharynx
C. Oesophagus
D. epiglottis

24. Which of the following plants has a parasitic mode of nutrition?

A. Lichen
B. Dodder
C. Pitcher plant
D. Mustard

2009

24. A plant is grown in a soil containing all its mineral requirements except magnesium. Which
of the following is the best description of what the plant would look like after a few weeks
growth?

A. Stunted growth and yellow leaves

B. Stunted growth and dark green leaves
C. Accelerated growth and yellow leaves
D. Accelerated growth and dark green leaves

25. The animals which feed on organic debris from decomposing plants and animals are
called

A. herbivores
B. carnivores
C. detritivores
D. insectivores

2010
 22. Which of the following compounds are used by the autotrophs to synthesize organic
material?

A. Carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide

B. Oxygen and hydrogen sulphide
C. Carbon dioxide and water
D. Oxygen and water

24. Plants showing stunted growth and strong chlorosis should be supplied with

A. iron.
B. calcium.
C. nitrogen.
D. magnesium.

25. The premolars and molars with large grinding surfaces are found in

A. insectivores.
B. detritivores.
C. carnivores.
D. herbivores.

September 2010

2011
23. The zymogen cells in the mucosa of the stomach secrete

A. hydrochloric acid.
B. pepsinogen.
C. mucous.
D. chyme.

25. Legumes, such as clover and alfalfa, have nodules on their roots that contain nitrogen-
fixing bacteria. These bacteria convert nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into nitrates.
Which of the following best accounts for the presence of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legume
root nodules?

A. Nitrates are a food source for earthworms.

B. Plants can use nitrates but not nitrogen gas.
C. Nitrates are one of the reactants in photosynthesis.
D. Nitrogen gas is toxic to most plants but nitrates are non-toxic.
September 2011

24. Which of the following correctly represents the examples of parasitic and symbiotic
nutrition?

Parasitic Nutrition Symbiotic Nutrition

A Dodder plant Pea plant

B Pitcher plant Venus fly trap

C Dodder plant Venus fly trap

D Pitcher plant Pea plant

25. The entry of fatty acids and glycerol into the epithelial cells of villi is an example of

A. assimilation.
B. absorption.
C. ingestion.
D. egestion.

26. Fluid feeders are different from filter feeders because

A. they possess gills.

B. they possess cilia.
C. they suck their food.
D. they have broader mouth parts.

2012
24. The presence of cilia, an oral groove and food vacuole, and the absence of chloroplast in
a unicellular organism indicate that the organism carries on

A. sexual reproduction.
B. autotrophic nutrition.
C. extracellular digestion.
D. heterotrophic nutrition.

25. Which of the following processes in amoeba is shown in the diagram?

 A. Egestion
B. Ingestion
C. Synthesis
D. Respiration

26. The diagram shows the alimentary canal of a man with its associated glands.

In which region/s of the alimentary canal does the digestion of fats take place?
A. I and III
B. II only
C. III only
D. III and IV

September 2012

24. The type of nutrition in earthworm is an example of

A. herbivorous.
B. carnivorous.
C. omnivorous.
D. detritivorous.
25. Which of the following options is correct about type of food, its enzyme, source of enzyme
and end products?

Type of Food Enzyme Source of End Product

Enzyme

A Starch Amylase Salivary glands Fructose

B Protein Pepsin Gastric glands Polypeptides

C Starch Amylase Gastric juice Maltose

D Protein Pepsin Salivary glands Polypeptides

2013
22. Insectivorous plants are usually found in the soil that is deficient in

A. water.
B. oxygen.
C. nitrogen.
D. iron.

23. The given diagram represents the entry of food particle K in trachea.

oesophagus
K

Which of the following reasons could be responsible for the entry of particle K into
larynx instead of oesophagus?
A. Waves of contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscles
 B. Upward movement of soft palate
C. Failure of larynx to move upward closing glottis
D. Failure of lubrication activity of oral cavity

September 2013

21. The diagram shows an insect feeding on a leaf.

aphid

phloem

Based on the type of nutrition displayed, the insect is said to be a

A. macrophagous feeder.
B. detritivore.
C. fluid feeder.
D. filter feeder.

22. The diagram shows the digestive system of a cockroach.

Which of the following labelled parts is responsible to grind the food?

A
B

C
 D

23. Which of the following does NOT take place in the oral cavity of humans?

A. Digestion of food
B. Manipulation of food
C. Absorption of food
D. Chewing of food

2014

22. The presence of fore, mid and hind gut for the digestion of food is a characteristic feature
in

A. planaria.
B. cockroach.
C. amoeba.
D. hydra.

23. Which of the following nutrition related diseases may cause high blood pressure and
diabetes mellitus?

A. Piles
B. Obesity
C. Dyspepsia
D. Anorexia nervosa

September 2014
22. The given diagram represents the entry of food particle K in trachea.
Which of the following reasons could be responsible for the entry of particle K into larynx
instead of oesophagus?
A. Waves of contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscles
B. Failure of larynx to move upward closing glottis
C. Failure of lubrication activity of oral cavity
D. Upward movement of soft palate

23. Which of the following sets shows an INCORRECT match?

A. Accessory glands – Endocrine cells – Gastrin

B. Stomach – Zymogen cells – Pepsinogen
C. Accessory glands – Pancreas – Trypsin
D. Large intestine – Goblet cells – Mucus

2015
22. The diagram represents the digestive system of a cockroach. Which of the labelled parts stores partly
digested food? Ans: B
23. The given diagram shows the cross-section of a villus. In which of the labelled structures are
lipoproteins formed?

Ans: A

CRQS
2009

Q.8. (Total 4 Marks)

a. What happens to a plant growing in soil deficient in potassium? (2 Marks)
Typical symptoms of potassium deficiency in plants include brown scorching and curling of
leaf tips as well as chlorosis (yellowing) between leaf veins. Purple spots may also appear on
the leaf undersides. Plant growth, root development, and seed and fruit development are
usually reduced in potassium-deficient plants.
 b. The figure shows different stages of nutrition in amoeba. (CHAP 12)
(2 Marks)

Describe any TWO stages of nutrition in amoeba.

1- Food vacuole forms.
2. Vacuole decreases in size as a result of water loss.
3. Enzymes discharge into food vacuole by lysosomes.
4. Fine canals radiate from digestive vacuole, only the products of digestion pass into cytoplasm.
5. Egestion of indigestible material.

2010
q.8 (total marks 4)

Identify cells F. How do these cells help in the process of digestion?

b. Name the chemical substance released by zymogen cells. (CHAP 12)
(1 Mark)
 Cells F are Oxyntic cells or parietal cells. These cells secrete Hydrochloric acid and zymogen cells
secrete pepsinogen. Hydro chloric acid activates pepsinogen into active form of enzyme pepsin, it
adjusts the pH of stomach content ranging from 2-3 for the pepsin to act on protein.

September 2010

Q.8. (Total 4 Marks)

a. The given diagram shows some parts of the alimentary canal of a man. (2 Marks)

A group of bacteria is found in region H. What does it produce, and how is it useful to the body?
Large intestine harbors a large population of useful bacteria that synthesize some vitamins
especially vitamin K, which are absorbed in the blood and is essential in proper clotting of blood.
b. Which substances, other than water and undigested food, are present in the rectum?
(2 Marks)
Bacteria, plant fibers, sloughed off mucosal cells, mucus, cholesterol, bile pigments.

2011

Q.8. (Total 4 Marks)

a. The diagram shows a healthy plant. (CHAP 12) (2 Marks)

 Redraw the plant with labelling, where required, showing the deficiency of phosphorus
and magnesium.
b. Name the main sites of gaseous exchange in (2 Marks)

i. young stem. Stomata

ii. Older stem. Lenticels

September 2011

Q.8. (Total 4Marks)

a. Describe the type of nutrition in the animal shown below. (2Marks)

Soil
The animals which feed on detritus (organic debris from decomposing plants and animals) are
called detritivores. Earth worm is the common example of detritus feeder. It ingests fragments of
decaying organic matter especially vegetation either at the soil surface or during burrowing
activity.

September 2012
Q.8.(Total 4 Marks)

Mention TWO symptoms of each of the following gastrointestinal disorder. (CHAP12)

i. Anorexia nervosa:1- loss of appetite 2- weight loss

ii. Peptic ulcer:1- burping or acid reflux 2- heart burn (burning sensation in the chest)

2013
Q.7

b. Briefly describe the process of obtaining food in a named insectivorous plant.

Venus fly trap (Dionaea muscipula) the leaf is bilobed with midrib between them. There is a row
of long stiff bristles along the margins of each lobe. When an insect touches small sensitive hairs
on the surface of the leaf, the lobes quickly come together with their bristles interlocked. The
trapped insect is then digested by the enzymes secreted by the glands on the leaf surface and the
products are then absorbed.

September 2013
Q.7.(Total 5 Marks)

b. How do oxyntic cells/ parietal cells help in the process of digestion?nutrition(2 Marks)
Oxyntic cells or parietal cells. These cells secrete Hydrochloric acid and zymogen cells secrete
pepsinogen. Hydro chloric acid activates pepsinogen into active form of enzyme pepsin, it adjusts
the pH of stomach content ranging from 2-3 for the pepsin to act on protein. Pepsin hydrolyzes
proteins to yield peptones and polypeptides.
September 2014
Q.7.(Total 5 Marks)
b. Fill in the following table with reference to dental caries (tooth decay). (2 Marks)

Cause
Prevention

Causes:

 Bacteria are present on the surface of our teeth. Food deposits and bacteria form a layer
called plaque. Bacteria on the plaque feed on sugars, producing acid. This acid dissolves
enamel, forming a hole.

 Dentine underneath the enamel is softer – it dissolves more rapidly.

 If the hole reaches the pulp cavity, bacterial infection can get to the nerve. This results in
toothache and possibly, an abscess (an infection in the jaw).

Prevention:

 avoiding foods with a high sugar content

 using toothpaste and drinking water containing fluoride
 regular, effective brushing to prevent the build-up of plaque (a sticky layer on the
teeth)
2015
Q.7. (Total 5 Marks)
b. Fill in the given table with a part of gastrointestinal tract related to each pH. Also state
the role of pH in the process of enzymatic digestion in each part.
(4 Marks)

Name of the Part of

pH Role of pH in Enzymatic Digestion
Gastrointestinal Tract

Changes in pH may not only

affect the shape of an enzyme
but it may also change the shape
or charge properties of the
substrate so that either the
substrate cannot bind to the
active site or it cannot undergo
catalysis. In general enzyme
have a pH optimum. However
the optimum pH is not the same
for each enzyme. The enzymes
of small intestine i.e lipase,
trypsin etc. works best in
High Small intestine slightly alkaline medium.

(around 8)

The enzymes of stomach i.e

Low Stomach pepsin works best at acidic pH.
(around 2)

ERQS
2008
 Q.9. (Total 5 Marks)

b. Describe the causes of ulcer, dyspepsia, obesity, piles and constipation. (chap 12)
Causes of Ulcer:

Different factors can cause the lining of the stomach, the esophagus, and the small intestine to
break down. These include:
 Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): a bacteria that can cause a stomach infection and inflammation
 frequent use of aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory drugs (risk associated with this
behavior increases in women and people over the age of 60)
 smoking
 drinking too much alcohol
 radiation therapy
 stomach cancer
Causes of Dyspepsia:
Dyspepsia is a term which includes a group of symptoms that come from a problem in your
upper gut. Common causes of dyspepsia include:
 Burped-up stomach juices and gas (regurgitation or reflux) caused by gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD) or a hiatal hernia. A disorder that affects movement of food
through the intestines, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
 Peptic (stomach) ulcer or duodenal ulcer.
Causes of Obesity:
Obesity is generally caused by eating too much and moving too little. If you consume high
amounts of energy, particularly fat and sugars, but don't burn off the energy through exercise
and physical activity, much of the surplus energy will be stored by the body as fat.

Causes of Piles:

Piles (haemorrhoids) are swellings that develop inside and around the back passage (anus).
Certain situations increase the chance of piles developing:
  Constipation, passing large stools (faeces), and straining at the toilet. These increase the
pressure in and around the veins in the anus and seem to be a common reason for piles to
develop.
 Pregnancy. Piles are common during pregnancy. This is probably due to pressure effects of
the baby lying above the rectum and anus, and the affect that the change in hormones during
pregnancy can have on the veins.
 Ageing. The tissues in the lining of the anus may become less supportive as we get older.
 Hereditary factors. Some people may inherit a weakness of the wall of the veins in the
anal region.

Causes of Constipation:

Some causes of constipation include:

 Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum.

 Changes in your usual diet or activities.
 Colon cancer.
 Eating a lot of dairy products.
 Eating disorders.
 Irritable bowel syndrome.
 Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
 Not being active.

2010
Q.12.(Total 5 Marks)

EITHER
a. Explain different dental diseases that occur in man. What preventive measures should be
taken to avoid dental problems? (CHAP 12)

1- Tooth decay: Tooth decay occurs when plaque, the sticky substance that forms on teeth,
combines with the sugars and/or starches of the food we eat. This combination produces acids
that attack tooth enamel.
2- Gum (periodontal) disease: Gum disease is an infection in the gums surrounding the teeth.
Gum disease is also one of the main causes of tooth loss among adults.

There are two major stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Regular dental checkups
along with brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily play an important role in preventing
gum disease.

3- Oral cancer: This serious dental disease, which pertains to the mouth, lips or throat, is often
highly curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages.

4- Tooth Erosion: Tooth erosion is the loss of tooth structure and is caused by acid attacking the
enamel. Tooth erosion signs and symptoms can range from sensitivity to more severe problems
such as cracking.

5- Tooth Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity means experiencing pain or discomfort to your teeth from
sweets, cold air, hot drinks, cold drinks or ice cream. Some people with sensitive teeth even
experience discomfort from brushing and flossing.

The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day, flossing daily and going to your
regular dental checkups. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in
sugar are also ways to prevent decay.

September 2010
Q.12.(Total 5 Marks)

EITHER
a. Briefly describe the following gastrointestinal disorders. nutition

i. Constipation ii. Dyspepsia

iii. Anorexia iv. Diarrhoea
v. Piles

Refer to your text book page no.254-255

September 2011
Q.12.(Total 5 Marks)

EITHER
a. Explain how the stomach digests food with the help of different named cells that
form gastric glands.
Refer to your text book page no. 249

2012
Q.12.(Total 5 Marks)

EITHER
a. Describe what happens to the molecules of starch from the moment they enter into
the buccal cavity till the time they enter into the blood. (CHAP 12)
Buccal cavity or Mouth:
Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth. The salivary glands in the mouth secrete
saliva, which helps to moisten the food. The food is then chewed while the salivary glands
also release the enzyme salivary amylase, which begins the process of breaking down the
polysaccharides in the carbohydrate food.

Stomach:
After the carbohydrate food is chewed into smaller pieces and mixed with salivary
amylase and other salivary juices, it is swallowed and passed through the esophagus. The
mixture enters the stomach where it is known as chyme. There is no further digestion of
chyme, as the stomach produces acid which destroys bacteria in the food and stops the
action of the salivary amylase.

Pancreas and small intestine:

After being in the stomach, the chyme enters the beginning portion of the small intestine, or the
duodenum. In response to chyme being in the duodenum, the pancreas releases the enzyme
pancreatic amylase, which breaks the polysaccharide down into a disaccharide, a chain of of only
two sugars linked together. The small intestine then produces enzymes called lactase, sucrase
and maltase, which break down the disaccharides into monosaccharides. The monosaccharides
are single sugars that are then absorbed in the small intestine. Dietary lactose and sucrose, and
maltose derived from digestion of starch, diffuse in the small intestinal lumen and come in
contact with the surface of absorptive epithelial cells covering the villi where they engage with
brush border hydrolases:

 maltase cleaves maltose into two molecules of glucose

 lactase cleaves lactose into a glucose and a galactose
 sucrase cleaves sucrose into a glucose and a fructose

September 2012
Q.12.(Total 5 Marks)
 EITHER
a. What do you understand by the term ‘sac like digestive system’? With the help of
a named organism, describe this process of digestion. (CHAP 12)
Sac-like digestive system: A sac-like digestive tract is a system with only one opening like a
mouth for which a food comes in and wastes go out.

Hydra feeds on a variety of small aquatic animals, such as Daphnia and Cyclops, which it
catches by means of lots of tiny stinging cells on its tentacles. Scattered over the outer layer
tentacles are a great many of these stinging cells called cnidoblasts. Smaller numbers occur on
the main body. Each cnidoblast contains a capsule (nematocyst) from which projects a small
"trigger" called a cnidocil (pronounced nid-o-sill). Inside each capsule is a tiny hollow thread. It
is inverted like a finger of a glove which is pushed into the hand part. These threads are the food-
catching apparatus.

It appears that when the stinging cells penetrate they prey, proteins set free from the prey
stimulate Hydra to open its mouth and to curl the tentacles towards it. The food is put into the
mouth and digestion begins. The gut of Hydra is simply the hollow cavity within the body and
has only one opening, the mouth. Enzymes are produced by special cells in the endodermis and
released into the gut cavity. These enzymes begin to break down the food into smaller particles.
Other lining cells have long hair-like flagella that wave about and keep the contents of the gut
well mixed. A further type of lining cell acts rather like an amoeba and engulfs small particles.
Digestion is completed inside these cells in food vacuoles and the products are diffused over the
rest of the body. Undigested food is passed out of the cells into the gut cavity and from there to
the outside through the mouth.

2013
Q.11.(Total 8 Marks)
c. Describe the occurrence and treatment of the following disorders of the gastrointestinal
tract.
i. Peptic ulcer
ii. Piles
Peptic Ulcer
Occurrence: Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus,
or small intestine (the duodenum), usually as a result of inflammation caused by the bacteria H.
pylori, as well as from erosion from stomach acids. Peptic ulcers are a fairly common health
problem.

Treatment:
 Antibiotic medications to kill H. pylori.
 Medications that block acid production and promote healing.
These drugs include the prescription and over-the-counter medications omeprazole (Prilosec),
lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), esomeprazole (Nexium) and pantoprazole
(Protonix).
 Medications to reduce acid production. Available by prescription or over-the-counter,
acid blockers include the medications ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine
(Tagamet) and nizatidine (Axid).
 Antacids that neutralize stomach acid.
 Medications that protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine.

Piles

Occurrence: Piles (haemorrhoids) are swellings that develop inside and around the back
passage (anus).

Treatment:
 Various creams, ointments and suppositories (which are inserted into your bottom) are
available from pharmacies without a prescription. They can be used to relieve any
swelling and discomfort.
 Common painkilling medication, such as paracetamol, can help relieve the pain of
hemorrhoids.
 If you're constipated, your GP may prescribe a laxative. Laxatives are a type of medicine
that can help you empty your bowels.
 Surgery is particularly useful for hemorrhoids that have developed below the dentate line
because, unlike non-surgical treatments, anaesthetic is used to ensure you don’t feel any
pain.

2014
Q.11.(Total 8 Marks)
OR
b. Describe what happens to the molecules of proteins from the moment they enter into
the buccal cavity till the time they enter into the blood. Your answer should include
names of specific enzymes. Nutrition.

From the mouth to the stomach:

The first step in protein digestion involves chewing. The teeth begin the mechanical
breakdown of the large egg pieces into smaller pieces that can be swallowed. The salivary
glands provide some saliva to aid swallowing and the passage of the partially mashed egg
through the esophagus. The mashed egg pieces enter the stomach through the esophageal
sphincter. The stomach releases gastric juices containing hydrochloric acid and the
enzyme, pepsin, which initiate the breakdown of the protein. The acidity of the stomach
facilitates the unfolding of the proteins that still retain part of their three-dimensional
structure after cooking and helps break down the protein aggregates formed during cooking.
Pepsin, which is secreted by the cells that line the stomach, dismantles the protein chains
into smaller and smaller fragments. Egg proteins are large globular molecules and their
 chemical breakdown requires time and mixing. The powerful mechanical stomach
contractions churn the partially digested protein into a more uniform mixture.
From the stomach to small intestine:
The stomach empties the chyme containing the broken down egg pieces into the small
intestine, where the majority of protein digestion occurs. The pancreas secretes digestive
juice that contains more enzymes that further break down the protein fragments. The two
major pancreatic enzymes that digest proteins are chymotrypsin and trypsin. The cells that
line the small intestine release additional enzymes that finally break apart the smaller protein
fragments into the individual amino acids. The muscle contractions of the small intestine
mix and propel the digested proteins to the absorption sites. In the lower parts of the small
intestine, the amino acids are transported from the intestinal lumen through the intestinal
cells to the blood.

2015

Q.11.(Total 8 Marks)OR
b. Describe the occurrence and treatment of the following disorders of the gastrointestinal
tract. nutrition
i. Peptic ulcer
ii. Piles
See answer in paper 2013 Q.11