(Solved): task:The absorption of carbohydrates and amino acids over the intestine can occur by carriermediated ...

task:

The absorption of carbohydrates and amino acids over the intestine can occur by carriermediated,
transcellular pathways, or by passive paracellular pathways.
a) Explain the differences between the carrier-mediated, transcellular pathways and passive
paracellular mechanisms for nutrient uptake.
b) Explain how the rate of absorption depends on the concentration of the nutrient within the
chime. Please draw a relevant graph.
The figure below shows the fraction of paracellular absorption relative to total absorption in
birds, mammals and reptiles of various body mass and with different feeding patterns.

c) Use this figure to discuss i) why body mass affects the proportion of paracellular
absorption and ii) why carnivorous animals tend to have higher proportional rates of
paracellular absorption than herbivores. What are the advantages and disadvantages of
paracellular versus transcellular absorption?
d) Flying vertebrates (birds and bats) tend to have higher rates of paracellular absorption.
Why? Include other adaptations in their gastrointestinal form and function in the answer.