/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 100 Cows can digest cellulose, but h... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 21: Problem 100

Cows can digest cellulose, but humans can't. Why not?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Cows can digest cellulose because they have a specialized four-compartment stomach and host cellulase-producing microorganisms, which help break down cellulose into simple sugars. However, humans have a single-chambered stomach and lack cellulase-producing microorganisms, making them unable to digest cellulose.

Step by step solution

01

Difference in digestive systems

The digestive systems of cows and humans are different which consequently leads to varied digestive capabilities. Cows belong to a group of animals called ruminants, which have a specialized stomach with four compartments, whereas humans have a simple single-chambered stomach.
02

Ruminant digestion

Ruminants, like cows, have a complex stomach with four compartments (the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum). This type of stomach allows them to break down tough plant materials, such as cellulose, that other animals cannot. The rumen contains beneficial microorganisms, including bacteria, protozoa, and fungi, which aid in breaking down fibrous materials like cellulose.
03

Human digestion

Humans, on the other hand, have a single-chambered stomach and lack the necessary microorganisms to break down cellulose effectively. As a result, humans cannot digest cellulose and it passes through their digestive system mostly unchanged, providing no nutritional benefits.
04

Cellulase enzyme

The key to digesting cellulose lies in the presence of an enzyme called cellulase, which can break down cellulose into simple sugars. Cows and other ruminant animals have microorganisms in their rumen that produce cellulase, allowing them to digest cellulose. Conversely, humans do not naturally produce cellulase and thus cannot break down cellulose into useable energy. In conclusion, cows can digest cellulose because they have a specialized digestive system with four compartments and a host of microorganisms that produce the necessary cellulase enzyme. In contrast, humans have a single-chambered stomach and lack the cellulase-producing microorganisms, making it impossible for them to digest cellulose.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

How many different pentapeptides can be formed using five different amino acids?

The base sequences in mRNA that code for certain amino acids are Glu: GAA, GAG Val: \(\quad\) GUU, GUC, GUA, GUG Met: AUG Trp: UGG Phe: UUU, UUC Asp: GAU, GAC These sequences are complementary to the sequences in DNA. a. Give the corresponding sequences in DNA for the amino acids listed above. b. Give a DNA sequence that would code for the peptide trp-glu-phe-met. c. How many different DNA sequences can code for the tetrapeptide in part b? d. What is the peptide that is produced from the DNA sequence T-A-C-C-T-G-A- A-G? e. What other DNA sequences would yield the same tripeptide as in part d?

Answer the following questions regarding the formation of polymers. a. What structural features must be present in a monomer in order to form a homopolymer polyester? b. What structural features must be present in the monomers in order to form a copolymer polyamide? (Hint: Nylon is an example of a polyamide. When the monomers link together to form nylon, an amide functional group results from each linkage.) c. What structural features must be present in a monomer that can form both an addition polymer and a condensation polymer?

Three important classes of biologically important natural polymers are discussed. What are the three classes, what are the monomers used to form the polymers, and why are they biologically important?

Draw all structural and geometrical (cis-trans) isomers of \(\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{7} \mathrm{F}\). Ignore any cyclic isomers.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.