Assimilation of food MCQs With Answer

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Understanding the assimilation of food is essential for B.Pharm students preparing for pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical practice. This concise, Student-friendly overview emphasizes digestion, nutrient absorption, transport mechanisms, and metabolic assimilation, covering digestive enzymes, intestinal mucosa, micelle and chylomicron formation, and transporter proteins like SGLT1, GLUT2 and PEPT1. Clinical implications such as malabsorption, drug–nutrient interactions, first-pass metabolism, and enterohepatic circulation are highlighted to link theory with pharmaceutical practice. These focused MCQs reinforce detailed concepts—macronutrient breakdown, vitamin and mineral uptake, and transporter-mediated absorption—helping B.Pharm students master assimilation topics for exams and patient care. Now let’s test your knowledge with 50 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. Which transporter primarily mediates active glucose uptake across the apical membrane of enterocytes?

  • SGLT1
  • GLUT2
  • PEPT1
  • Na+/K+ ATPase

Correct Answer: SGLT1

Q2. Which process describes absorption of long-chain fatty acids from intestinal lumen into enterocytes?

  • Formation of micelles followed by passive diffusion
  • Direct transport via SGLT1
  • Endocytosis into Peyer’s patches
  • Active transport through GLUT5

Correct Answer: Formation of micelles followed by passive diffusion

Q3. Which enzyme is essential for protein digestion in the stomach?

  • Pepsin
  • Pancreatic lipase
  • Sucrase
  • Lactase

Correct Answer: Pepsin

Q4. Which factor most increases the surface area for absorption in the small intestine?

  • Villi and microvilli
  • Gastric rugae
  • Taeniae coli
  • Crypts of Lieberkühn contraction

Correct Answer: Villi and microvilli

Q5. PEPT1 transporter in the small intestine primarily absorbs which of the following?

  • Di- and tri-peptides
  • Monosaccharides
  • Long-chain fatty acids
  • Fat-soluble vitamins

Correct Answer: Di- and tri-peptides

Q6. Which vitamin requires intrinsic factor for efficient absorption in the ileum?

  • Vitamin B12
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin K

Correct Answer: Vitamin B12

Q7. Which statement best describes enterohepatic circulation?

  • Bile salts are secreted, aid fat digestion, reabsorbed, and returned to the liver
  • Dietary proteins are recycled via hepatic gluconeogenesis
  • Vitamins are converted in the liver to active forms and excreted in urine
  • Chylomicrons directly enter hepatic sinusoids without lymphatic transport

Correct Answer: Bile salts are secreted, aid fat digestion, reabsorbed, and returned to the liver

Q8. Which mechanism explains passive diffusion of a drug or nutrient across the intestinal epithelium?

  • Movement driven by concentration gradient without energy expenditure
  • Carrier-mediated uptake requiring ATP
  • Endocytic transport mediated by clathrin
  • Paracellular active pumping via Na+/K+ ATPase

Correct Answer: Movement driven by concentration gradient without energy expenditure

Q9. Which sugar is primarily absorbed by GLUT5 transporters in the small intestine?

  • Fructose
  • Glucose
  • Galactose
  • Lactose

Correct Answer: Fructose

Q10. Which condition most directly impairs fat absorption leading to steatorrhea?

  • Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency
  • Lactase deficiency
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency

Correct Answer: Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency

Q11. Which statement best describes micelle formation?

  • Bile salts surround lipids to form soluble micelles facilitating absorption
  • Micelles are protein complexes that digest carbohydrates
  • Micelles are glycogen aggregates stored in hepatocytes
  • Micelles transport water-soluble vitamins directly into lymph

Correct Answer: Bile salts surround lipids to form soluble micelles facilitating absorption

Q12. Which lipoprotein is responsible for transporting absorbed dietary lipids from enterocytes into lymphatics?

  • Chylomicrons
  • VLDL
  • LDL
  • HDL

Correct Answer: Chylomicrons

Q13. Which ion’s absorption is enhanced by gastric acid converting it to a soluble form?

  • Non-heme iron (Fe2+/Fe3+)
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphate

Correct Answer: Non-heme iron (Fe2+/Fe3+)

Q14. Which of the following best characterizes first-pass metabolism?

  • Orally absorbed substances are metabolized in the gut wall and liver before reaching systemic circulation
  • Intravenous drugs bypass hepatic metabolism entirely
  • Topical drugs are absorbed into lymph and avoid hepatic processing
  • Drugs excreted in bile are immediately eliminated without reabsorption

Correct Answer: Orally absorbed substances are metabolized in the gut wall and liver before reaching systemic circulation

Q15. What role do brush border enzymes play in assimilation?

  • They complete digestion of disaccharides and peptides at the enterocyte surface
  • They secrete bile into the intestinal lumen
  • They form micelles from triglycerides directly
  • They pump sodium out of enterocytes into blood

Correct Answer: They complete digestion of disaccharides and peptides at the enterocyte surface

Q16. Which transport route allows small hydrophilic solutes to pass between enterocytes?

  • Paracellular pathway
  • Transcellular passive diffusion
  • Receptor-mediated endocytosis
  • Carrier-mediated active transport

Correct Answer: Paracellular pathway

Q17. Which pancreatic enzyme is critical for triglyceride digestion to monoglycerides and free fatty acids?

  • Pancreatic lipase
  • Trypsin
  • Amylase
  • Carboxypeptidase

Correct Answer: Pancreatic lipase

Q18. Which of the following reduces iron absorption by forming insoluble complexes in the gut?

  • Tannins in tea and coffee
  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
  • Gastric acid
  • Heme proteins from meat

Correct Answer: Tannins in tea and coffee

Q19. Which transporter facilitates basolateral exit of glucose from enterocytes into blood after absorption?

  • GLUT2
  • SGLT1
  • PEPT1
  • GLUT5

Correct Answer: GLUT2

Q20. Which statement explains the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)?

  • They are absorbed with dietary fats via micelle formation and chylomicrons
  • They are actively transported via SGLT1
  • They are absorbed primarily in the colon by bacteria
  • They are absorbed via PEPT1 as peptide conjugates

Correct Answer: They are absorbed with dietary fats via micelle formation and chylomicrons

Q21. Which condition specifically impairs vitamin B12 absorption leading to pernicious anemia?

  • Autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal cells reducing intrinsic factor
  • Lactase persistence leading to excess lactose digestion
  • Pancreatic lipase deficiency causing fat malabsorption
  • Celiac disease limited to duodenum only

Correct Answer: Autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal cells reducing intrinsic factor

Q22. Which enzyme activates trypsinogen to trypsin in the small intestine?

  • Enteropeptidase (enterokinase)
  • Pepsin
  • Amylase
  • Bile salt micelles

Correct Answer: Enteropeptidase (enterokinase)

Q23. Which nutrient absorption mainly occurs in the proximal small intestine (duodenum)?

  • Iron and calcium
  • Vitamin B12
  • Short-chain fatty acids
  • Chylomicron uptake into lymph

Correct Answer: Iron and calcium

Q24. Which statement about lactose intolerance is correct?

  • Lactase deficiency leads to undigested lactose fermented by colonic bacteria causing bloating
  • It is due to absence of pancreatic enzymes that digest starch
  • It results from impaired bile salt production causing fat malabsorption
  • It enhances B12 absorption in the ileum

Correct Answer: Lactase deficiency leads to undigested lactose fermented by colonic bacteria causing bloating

Q25. Which of the following enhances calcium absorption in the intestine?

  • Active vitamin D (calcitriol)
  • High dietary oxalate intake
  • Aggressive proton pump inhibitor therapy
  • Excess dietary phosphate without vitamin D

Correct Answer: Active vitamin D (calcitriol)

Q26. What is the primary role of bile salts in lipid assimilation?

  • Emulsify dietary fats and form micelles to increase solubility
  • Hydrolyze triglycerides into monoglycerides
  • Directly transport chylomicrons into the portal vein
  • Activate pancreatic proteases

Correct Answer: Emulsify dietary fats and form micelles to increase solubility

Q27. Which absorption route bypasses the hepatic first-pass effect for lipophilic drugs and nutrients?

  • Lymphatic transport via chylomicrons
  • Portal venous absorption of monosaccharides
  • Transdermal absorption into systemic veins
  • Direct renal reabsorption from the colon

Correct Answer: Lymphatic transport via chylomicrons

Q28. Which intestinal change is characteristic of celiac disease and impairs nutrient assimilation?

  • Villous atrophy reducing absorptive surface
  • Hypertrophy of gastric mucosa increasing acid
  • Excess bile salt synthesis in liver
  • Increased secretion of pancreatic enzymes

Correct Answer: Villous atrophy reducing absorptive surface

Q29. Which transport mechanism is most important for absorption of most amino acids?

  • Carrier-mediated active transport coupled to sodium gradient
  • Simple passive diffusion down concentration gradient
  • Endocytic uptake into M cells of Peyer’s patches
  • Facilitated diffusion through GLUT transporters

Correct Answer: Carrier-mediated active transport coupled to sodium gradient

Q30. Which factor slows gastric emptying and can reduce rate of drug absorption?

  • High-fat meal
  • Fasting state
  • Administration of metoclopramide
  • Low osmolality beverage

Correct Answer: High-fat meal

Q31. Which statement about absorption of water-soluble vitamins is correct?

  • Most are absorbed by passive or carrier-mediated mechanisms in small intestine and not stored extensively
  • They require bile salts and are packaged into chylomicrons
  • They depend on intrinsic factor for ileal uptake
  • They are absorbed primarily in the colon after bacterial synthesis

Correct Answer: Most are absorbed by passive or carrier-mediated mechanisms in small intestine and not stored extensively

Q32. Which of the following describes the role of Na+/K+ ATPase in enterocyte absorption?

  • Maintains sodium gradient that drives secondary active transport of nutrients
  • Directly transports glucose across apical membrane
  • Is the primary transporter for bile salts into enterocytes
  • Secretes chloride into the intestinal lumen during digestion

Correct Answer: Maintains sodium gradient that drives secondary active transport of nutrients

Q33. How does grapefruit juice affect oral drug assimilation related to pharmacokinetics?

  • Inhibits intestinal CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, increasing bioavailability of some drugs
  • Enhances pancreatic enzyme secretion increasing drug metabolism
  • Neutralizes gastric acid preventing dissolution of enteric-coated drugs
  • Increases bile salt production enhancing lipid-soluble drug absorption

Correct Answer: Inhibits intestinal CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, increasing bioavailability of some drugs

Q34. Which molecule transports monoglycerides and free fatty acids into the endoplasmic reticulum of enterocytes for re-esterification?

  • Fatty acid–binding proteins (inside enterocyte cytosol) facilitating uptake to ER
  • SGLT1 directly shuttling lipids
  • GLUT2 transporting lipids across basolateral membrane
  • Enteropeptidase forming triglyceride complexes

Correct Answer: Fatty acid–binding proteins (inside enterocyte cytosol) facilitating uptake to ER

Q35. Which is the major site of vitamin B12 absorption?

  • Ileum
  • Duodenum
  • Jejunum
  • Colon

Correct Answer: Ileum

Q36. Which dietary component can chelate and reduce absorption of tetracycline antibiotics when co-administered?

  • Calcium in dairy products
  • Simple sugars in fruit juices
  • Dietary fiber from whole grains
  • Vitamin C supplements

Correct Answer: Calcium in dairy products

Q37. Which statement about short-chain fatty acids produced by colonic bacteria is true?

  • They are absorbed by colonocytes and can be used as an energy source
  • They primarily form chylomicrons in the ileum
  • They inhibit sodium absorption in the small intestine
  • They require bile salts for colonic absorption

Correct Answer: They are absorbed by colonocytes and can be used as an energy source

Q38. What effect does achlorhydria (low stomach acid) have on nutrient assimilation?

  • Reduces absorption of iron and vitamin B12 due to impaired release from food
  • Enhances protein digestion by increasing pepsin activity
  • Improves fat emulsification and micelle formation
  • Increases activation of pancreatic enzymes in duodenum

Correct Answer: Reduces absorption of iron and vitamin B12 due to impaired release from food

Q39. Which process is primarily responsible for lipid transport from enterocytes to systemic circulation?

  • Assembly of triglycerides into chylomicrons and transport via lymphatics
  • Direct diffusion into portal vein bound to albumin
  • Packaging into HDL particles within enterocytes
  • Transcytosis across enterocytes into capillaries

Correct Answer: Assembly of triglycerides into chylomicrons and transport via lymphatics

Q40. Which factor most decreases bioavailability of an orally administered drug due to reduced dissolution?

  • Poor aqueous solubility of the drug molecule
  • High water solubility leading to rapid dissolution
  • Concurrent ingestion of substances that stimulate bile secretion
  • Administering drug with a high-fat meal to increase absorption

Correct Answer: Poor aqueous solubility of the drug molecule

Q41. Which enzyme in the small intestine hydrolyzes disaccharides into monosaccharides?

  • Brush border disaccharidases (e.g., sucrase, maltase)
  • Pancreatic proteases
  • Gastric lipase
  • Hepatic glucokinase

Correct Answer: Brush border disaccharidases (e.g., sucrase, maltase)

Q42. What is the primary mechanism of vitamin K absorption?

  • Absorbed with dietary fat in micelles and incorporated into chylomicrons
  • Actively transported via PEPT1 as a peptide complex
  • Freely diffuses across colon epithelium bound to water
  • Requires intrinsic factor for ileal uptake

Correct Answer: Absorbed with dietary fat in micelles and incorporated into chylomicrons

Q43. Which pathology causes fat malabsorption by interfering with bile salt recycling?

  • Ileal resection or disease impairing bile salt reabsorption
  • Gastric ulcer in the stomach
  • Colon adenoma limited to mucosal layer
  • Pancreatic islet cell hyperplasia

Correct Answer: Ileal resection or disease impairing bile salt reabsorption

Q44. Which transport protein contributes to multidrug resistance and can influence oral drug absorption by exporting drugs back into the intestinal lumen?

  • P-glycoprotein (P-gp / ABCB1)
  • SGLT2
  • GLUT4
  • PEPT2

Correct Answer: P-glycoprotein (P-gp / ABCB1)

Q45. Which statement best explains why neonates have different nutrient assimilation compared to adults?

  • Immature digestive enzyme systems and gut barrier alter digestion and absorption
  • Neonates have increased bile salt secretion compared to adults
  • They have a fully mature microbiome identical to adults at birth
  • They absorb lipids exclusively through the portal vein

Correct Answer: Immature digestive enzyme systems and gut barrier alter digestion and absorption

Q46. Which factor increases gastric motility and therefore may increase rate but reduce extent of absorption for some orally administered drugs?

  • Administration of prokinetic agents (e.g., metoclopramide)
  • Consumption of a high-fat meal
  • Use of opioid analgesics slowing gut transit
  • Presence of gastroparesis

Correct Answer: Administration of prokinetic agents (e.g., metoclopramide)

Q47. Which mineral absorption is enhanced by heme-containing dietary sources compared to non-heme sources?

  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Zinc

Correct Answer: Iron

Q48. Which enzyme deficiency leads to inability to digest starch resulting in osmotic diarrhea after carbohydrate ingestion?

  • Pancreatic amylase deficiency
  • Pepsin deficiency
  • Lipase hyperactivity
  • Enterokinase excess

Correct Answer: Pancreatic amylase deficiency

Q49. What is the main reason oral peptide drugs are poorly absorbed when given by mouth?

  • Degradation by gastric and pancreatic proteases and poor membrane permeability
  • Excessive lipid solubility causing retention in micelles
  • Rapid uptake into lymph leading to systemic toxicity
  • High affinity for bile salts causing sequestration

Correct Answer: Degradation by gastric and pancreatic proteases and poor membrane permeability

Q50. Which clinical implication of malabsorption should pharmacists consider when advising patients on oral drug therapy?

  • Altered absorption of orally administered drugs and potential need for dose adjustment or alternative routes
  • Enhanced first-pass metabolism eliminating need for dose consideration
  • Improved drug solubility leading to overdose risk in all patients
  • Universal increase in renal clearance of orally administered drugs

Correct Answer: Altered absorption of orally administered drugs and potential need for dose adjustment or alternative routes

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