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Module - I Comparative Physiology of Digestion
Module - I Comparative Physiology of Digestion
1. Introduction
2. Principle of digestion
https://www.slideshare.net/nirmalajosephine1
/biology-form-4-chapter-6-nutrition-part-2
https://www.slideshare.net/enamifat/introduc
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/d
http://www.dnatube.com/video/6151/The-
tion-to-digestion-and-absorption-local-
http://slideplayer.com/slide/3383047/
rraghu74-1526731-control-gastric-secretions/
Digestive-System
hormones-of-git-different-digestive-juices
The human intestine contains a large variety of microorganisms, this community
consists of at least 1014 bacterial cells and up to 500–1000 different species.
As a whole this represents overall more than 100 times the human genome, and
is called the ‘‘metagenome’’. Thus, the intestinal flora can be considered as
an ‘‘exteriorized organ’’ which contributes to our homeostasis with multiple
functions largely diversified.
The biological functions controlled by the intestinal flora are related to the
effectiveness of energy harvest, by the bacteria, of the energy ingested but not
digested by the host.
Among the dietary compound escaping to the digestion occurring in the upper
part of the human gastro intestinal tract, the polysaccharides constitute the
major source of nutrient for the bacteria.
A healthy intestinal flora provides a barrier between the epithelial cells of the colon and
pathogenic bacteria, known as colonization resistance. In other words, these probiotics
colonize the entire colon wall effectively reducing space for pathogenic bacteria to take hold
or even break through the intestinal wall.
These bacteria also synthesize certain vitamins, like B7, biotin, B12, folic acid and vitamin K.
In addition, the gut flora produces enzymes that are secreted into the epithelial cells of the
colon, allowing various bodily functions to take place.
The healthy bacteria within the intestines also create molecules for the brain, otherwise
known as metabolites. This contributes to healthy brain function, as healthy bacteria have an
effect on neurological function.
The intestinal flora receives its nutrients from mucin, a glycoprotein that is excreted by the
mucous membranes.
Bacteria also ferment indigestible carbohydrates, otherwise known as dietary fiber, like
pectin, cellulose and hemicellulose into short chain fatty acids. These fatty acids are a great
source of energy for the body and contribute to healthy epithelial cell proliferation.
Bacterial – Brain Connection: The gut flora also makes neurotransmitters like serotonin and
dopamine. It can therefore communicate with the brain and controls a large number of
processes within its realm. The gut has been considered the second brain, as it has more
neuron cells than the spinal cord. With that said, the next time you have a “gut feeling”, go
with it.
http://thescienceofeating.com/2017/06/28/gut-flora-holds-key-good-health-heres-keeps-
whole-body-healthy/
https://drjockers.com/6-steps-to-rebuild-gut-
flora-metabolism/
https://www.integrativepsychiatry.net/gut_bra
in_dysfunction.html
Metabolic functions
Colonic microoganisms also play a part in vitamin synthesis and in absorption of calcium,
magnesium, and iron.
Butyrate is almost completely consumed by the colonic epithelium, and it is a major source of
energy for colonocytes.
Acetate and propionate are found in portal blood and are eventually metabolised by the liver
(propionate) or peripheral tissues, particularly muscle (acetate).
Acetate and propionate might also have a role as modulators of glucose metabolism:
absorption of these short-chain fatty acids would result in lower glycaemic responses to oral
glucose or standard meal—a response consistent with an ameliorated sensitivity to insulin.
In fact, foods with high proportion of non-digestible carbohydrates all have a low glycaemic
index. However, results of one study showed no effect of colonic fermentation of
carbohydrates on insulin resistance.
Trophic functions
All three major short-chain fatty acids stimulate epithelial cell proliferation and
differentiation.
However, butyrate inhibits cell proliferation and stimulates cell differentiation in epithelial
cell
The intestinal mucosa is the main interface between the immune system and the
external environment. Thus, that gut-associated lymphoid tissues contain the largest
pool of immunocompetent cells in the human body is not surprising.
The dialogue between host and bacteria at the mucosal interface seems to play a
part in development of a competent immune system.
http://schaechter.asmblog.org/schaechter/2013/06/fine-reading-the-gut-microbiota-of-insects-
diversity-in-structure-and-function.html
https://phys.org/news/2016-03-gut-microbiome-remarkably-stable.html