Make observations about how the different body systems work in the Metabolism Sim. Record your observations below. Then press NEXT to use what you learned—from your observations and the classroom body systems model—to continue this activity and answer questions about the body.

Question

Launch the Metabolism Simulation, select HEALTHY BODY, and select OBSERVE.
Feed the body sandwiches (which provide a mix of molecule types).
Focus on what happens to starch in the digestive system.

Turn off all the molecules except for starch and glucose. What do you observe?

Answer 1

In the Metabolism Simulation, when you focus on starch in the digestive system after feeding the body sandwiches, you can make several observations about how the digestive, circulatory, and cellular systems interact:

1. Starch Digestion: Initially, starch molecules are present in the digestive system. As the simulation progresses, you can observe that the starch is broken down into simpler sugars (mainly glucose) through the action of enzymes, specifically amylase in the saliva and further breakdown in the small intestine.

2. Enzymatic Action: The conversion from starch to glucose highlights the role of enzymes in metabolism. Enzymes facilitate the breakdown process, demonstrating the importance of chemical reactions in nutrition and energy extraction.

3. Absorption: Once starch is broken down into glucose, you can observe how glucose molecules are absorbed through the walls of the intestines into the bloodstream. This showcases the digestive system’s role in nutrient absorption.

4. Transport: After glucose enters the bloodstream, it is transported to various cells throughout the body. The circulatory system is seen actively transporting glucose to where it is needed, demonstrating the interconnectedness of body systems.

5. Cellular Utilization: At the cellular level, glucose molecules can be observed being utilized for energy production through cellular respiration processes. This shows the metabolic pathway, where glucose is converted into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), highlighting how the body converts food into energy.

6. Homeostasis: The simulation may also illustrate how the body regulates glucose levels in the blood, which is crucial for maintaining homeostasis. For instance, you might notice mechanisms that indicate how insulin helps cells take up glucose when levels rise.

Overall, the observations made in the Metabolism Sim illustrate the complexity and efficiency of the body's metabolic processes, the interplay between different systems, and the critical role of carbohydrates like starch in providing energy for bodily functions.