| Introduction |
The process of taking up of substances, such as nutrients, by cells or tissues |
The process of incorporating absorbed nutrients into the body’s own structures and molecules |
| Occurrence |
Primarily occurs at the surface of cells or tissues |
Takes place within cells or tissues |
| Efficiency |
A relatively rapid process, occurring as nutrients move across membranes |
A more gradual and continuous process that involves ongoing cellular activities |
| End products |
The end products of absorption are the same as the absorbed substances |
The end products of assimilation are newly formed molecules, such as proteins, lipids, and glycogen |
| Purpose |
Facilitates the uptake of nutrients from the environment into the organism |
Utilizes absorbed nutrients to meet the energy needs and build and maintain the organism’s own structures |
| Examples
|
· Absorption of water and minerals by plant roots
· Absorption of nutrients in the small intestine of animals |
· Incorporation of amino acids into proteins
· Conversion of glucose into ATP through cellular respiration |
