biology: health and lifestyle

Question 1

What are the seven essential nutrients your body needs?

Answer 1

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, water, and fibre.

Question 2

What is the purpose of food tests?

Answer 2

To find out which nutrients a food contains.

Question 3

What is a balanced diet?

Answer 3

Eating food containing the right nutrients in the correct amounts.

Question 4

What are common issues caused by being underweight?

Answer 4

Lack of energy, vitamin or mineral deficiency, and a poor immune system.

Question 5

What health risks are associated with being overweight?

Answer 5

Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers.

Question 6

What happens to large molecules like lipids and proteins during digestion?

Answer 6

They are broken down into small molecules that can pass into the blood.

Question 7

What are enzymes and what do they do in digestion?

Answer 7

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, breaking down large molecules into small ones without being used up.

Question 8

What are drugs?

Answer 8

Substances that alter chemical reactions inside the body.

Question 9

What is the difference between medicinal and recreational drugs?

Answer 9

Medicinal drugs have health benefits; recreational drugs are taken for enjoyment.

Question 10

What does it mean to be dependent on a drug?

Answer 10

The person has an addiction and may suffer withdrawal symptoms when they stop.

Question 11

What is ethanol and what effect does it have on the body?

Answer 11

Ethanol is a depressant in alcoholic drinks that slows down the nervous system.

Question 12

What health problems can long-term alcohol use cause?

Answer 12

Stomach ulcers, heart disease, brain and liver damage.

Question 13

What is a person with an alcohol addiction called?

Answer 13

alcoholic

Question 14

What are the health risks of smoking tobacco?

Answer 14

Breathing problems, cancer, heart attacks, and strokes.

Question 15

What is nicotine and what does it do?

Answer 15

Nicotine is a stimulant in tobacco smoke. It speeds up the nervous system and is addictive.

Question 16

What is the test for starch?

Answer 16

Iodine solution. Positive result = blue-black colour.

Question 17

What is the test for sugar (glucose)?

Answer 17

Benedict’s solution + heat in water bath. Positive result = brick-red/orange.

Question 18

What is the test for protein?

Answer 18

Biuret solution. Positive result = purple/lilac colour.

Question 19

What is the test for lipids (fats)?

Answer 19

Ethanol + water test. Positive result = cloudy white emulsion.

Question 20

What are enzymes and what do they do?

Answer 20

Enzymes are biological catalysts – proteins that speed up digestion by breaking down large food molecules without being used up.

Question 21

Which enzyme breaks down carbohydrates, and into what?

Answer 21

Amylase (a carbohydrase) breaks carbohydrates into glucose.

Question 22

Which enzyme breaks down proteins, and into what?

Answer 22

Protease breaks proteins into amino acids.

Question 23

Which enzyme breaks down lipids, and into what?

Answer 23

Lipase breaks lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.

Question 24

What is the role of the stomach in digestion?

Answer 24

It produces acid and enzymes to chemically break down food and kill microbes.

Question 25

Where are nutrients absorbed into the blood?

Answer 25

In the small intestine, through the walls lined with villi.

Question 26

What is drug addiction and what happens when you stop?

Answer 26

Addiction = dependency on a drug. Stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms like shaking, anxiety, or nausea.

Question 27

Why should people avoid alcohol during pregnancy or conception?

Answer 27

Lowers fertility Risks miscarriage or stillbirth Can cause foetal alcohol syndrome – birth defects, learning difficulties

Question 28

Why are enzymes called catalysts?

Answer 28

Because they speed up chemical reactions (like digestion) without being changed or used up themselves.

Question 29

What happens if large food molecules aren’t broken down during digestion?

Answer 29

They can’t be absorbed into the bloodstream, so the body won’t get the nutrients it needs for energy, growth, and repair.

Question 30

What is fibre and why is it important in the diet?

Answer 30

Fibre is a type of plant-based carbohydrate that isn’t digested. It helps food move through the digestive system, preventing constipation and keeping the gut healthy.