Question

Organisms use a diversity of methods to obtain proper nutrition.

a. Describe two structural features of the human stomach or small intestine. For each, explain how the structure relates to the function.

b. Plants have a variety of mechanisms for obtaining nutrients. Describe two plant structures and explain how each structure is utilized in nutrient uptake.

Answer 1

The ileum has plicae circulares, villi and microvilli, that are folds and projections of the mucosa layer of the ileum, that increase the surface area of food absorption.  The mucosa and the submucosa of the stomach have inner folds called rugae that increase the surface areas in which food is digested by enzymes.

Plants have root hairs in their tap roots that also increase the surface area for which they absorb water and nutrient from the soil. Fibrous roots have a mesh-like a network that also increases the surface area for increased absorption.