Three organisms that break down food outside are fungi, bacteria, and earthworms. Breakdown of food depends upon the type of organism and their environment. Human beings obtain nutrition through a complex digestive system that processes both plant and animal foods.
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Organisms that break down their food outside include:
Fungi : These organisms, such as mushrooms, release enzymes into their environment to decompose organic matter, thereby absorbing nutrients.
Bacteria : Some bacteria break down organic materials outside their cells by releasing enzymes.
Saprophytic organisms : These are organisms, like certain types of molds, that feed on decaying organic matter by external digestion.
Breakdown of food inside and breakdown of food outside depends upon the environment and the type of organism .
Parasites that do not break down food either outside or inside include:
Tapeworms : These flatworms absorb nutrients directly from the host's intestine.
Hookworms : These attach to the intestinal wall of their host and feed on its blood.
Lice : They feed on blood or skin without digesting food externally or internally.
Nutrition of human beings involves various stages:
Ingestion : The process begins when food enters the mouth. Humans use teeth to break down food into smaller pieces, and saliva starts the chemical digestion of carbohydrates.
Digestion : Food travels down the esophagus to the stomach, where it is mixed with gastric juices containing enzymes and acids that further break down proteins. Digestion continues in the small intestine with the help of bile from the liver and digestive juices from the pancreas, completing the breakdown of all macronutrients.
Absorption : The small intestine absorbs nutrients into the bloodstream through tiny finger-like projections called villi and microvilli.
Assimilation : The absorbed nutrients are transported throughout the body and used for energy, growth, and repair.
Egestion : Finally, the undigested food is expelled from the body through the large intestine as feces. This process is known as elimination or egestion.
Overall, human nutrition is complex and involves both mechanical and chemical processes to ensure that the body receives the necessary nutrients for proper functioning.