7. Animal Nutrition

1. Core Content

• The differences in dentition for herbivorous, carnivorous and omnivorous lifestyles in terms of nutritional requirements and energy relationships (link with ecology - food chains).

• Human nutrition

The macro-structure of the alimentary canal and associated organs and the functions of the different parts.

• The Processes of ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation and egestion and the significance of each:

- Mechanical or physical digestion: types and functions of different kinds of teeth, processes of chewing. Peristalsis

- Chemical digestion: Enzymes: functions of carbohydrases, proteases and lipases: where produced; substrate, pH and end-products (Specific enzymes need not be named - link to enzyme activity.)

- Absorption: small intestine as a region of most absorption of digested food; adaptations to increase surface area. Structure (to tissue level) and significance of villi. Importance of hepatic portal system in the transport of absorbed food to the liver and then through hepatic vein to the rest of the body

- Assimilation: incorporation of glucose and amino acids into cells, the role of the liver: glucose metabolism, deamination of excess amino acids, and the breakdown of alcohol, drugs and hormones.

• Homeostatic Control

Hormonal control of blood sugar levels.Increase in the number of people affected by diabetes in recent years and brief explanation of diabetes.

• The relationships between food intake, energy, growth and health. The importance of a balanced diet and changing requirements due to age, gender and activity levels.

- Different diets due to cultural, religious, personal and health choices, e.g., vegan, vegetarian, halaal, kosher

- Interpret dietary information on food packaging;

- Dietary supplements: for health, sport, beauty and anti-ageing (link to organic and inorganic substances)

- Malnutrition: the reason for and the effects of malnutrition with respect to unbalanced diets (e.g., kwashiorkor), starvation (e.g., marasmus and anorexia), bulimia, food allergies, coronary heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

• Analysis of information in the popular press, or any other sources, with respect to malnutrition.

• Tooth decay related to diet and fluoride in water supplies and its effect on teeth.

• The effects of alcohol and drug abuse and the dangers associated with their misuse.