Nutrition, Diet and the Digestive System

What this unit covers

The page follows food through the body. Some resources look at what we eat, such as the Human Nutrition mind map, which separates organic and inorganic nutrients and looks at malnutrition. Others follow food as it is broken down, absorbed and used. Listed exams include GCSE Biology, A-level Biology, IGCSE Biology, IB Biology and KS3 Science, plus GCSE Food Technology and GCSE Home Economics.

Where to start

Begin with the The Digestive System mind map. It lists the digestive tract and the organs beside it, and splits digestion into mechanical and chemical. Then open Digestion and Absorption, which explains why big molecules must be broken down by hydrolysis before they can cross cell membranes.

Next, read Enzymes and Digestion. It shows starch, protein and fats as large molecules and sugars, amino acids, glycerol and fatty acids as the small ones they become.

Diet and nutrients

• The Food Technology flash cards cover proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins, with what each vitamin is needed for and where it comes from.
• The Vitamins quiz tests this, including a deficiency such as beri-beri.
• The Food and Digestion mind map explains that a balanced diet depends on age, size, sex and activity.
• The MODES OF NUTRITION mind map covers autotrophic nutrition, where organisms make their own food.

Using maps and quizzes together

1. Read a mind map and cover the branches you can recall.
2. Take a quiz on the same topic, such as Digestion Quiz.
3. Note the questions you missed and go back to the map.
4. Use a flashcard deck for the terms that stick badly.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the Human Body strand of Biology and natural sciences. Pick one resource, work through it, then try building your own set of flashcards from what you learn.