Assimilation

Table of Contents

• Assimilation
• Distribution of Nutrients
• Utilisation of Nutrients
• Summary
• What’s Next?

In the previous segment, we learnt about the Large intestine, rectum and the anus. In this segment, we will learn about Assimilation.

What is Assimilation?

Assimilation is the process in which the nutrients absorbed by the body gets converted into body substances which will become part of the organism.

How are Nutrients distributed in the body?

The absorbed nutrients go to the liver. The liver acts as the Checkpoint and Control Centre

for the release of appropriate amounts of nutrients in the Circulatory System.

How are Different nutrients utilised by the body?

There are three main nutrients: Glucose, fatty acids and glycerol, and amino acids.

Glucose

• • Glucose is broken down from Carbohydrates. It provides energy to the body.
  • Excess of glucose is converted to insoluble Glycogen by the Liver, which is stored as an energy reserve.
  • Glycogen can be converted back into glucose, whenever needed.
  • Excess glucose can also be stored in the Adipose Tissue as Fats.

Fatty acids and Glycerol

• • Fatty acids and glycerol are broken down from Fat.
  • They act as the energy reserve and if in excess, they are stored under the skin or around the organs.

Amino acids

• • Amino acids are broken down from Proteins.
  • They are used in the repair of the damaged parts of the body and for growth.