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NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Solutions Chapter 16 Digestion and Absorption
Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on May 30, 2025 04:55 PM IST
The Digestion and Absorption chapter provides a complete understanding of the functioning of the digestive system. It explains how digestion starts in the mouth, moves to the small intestine, and then moves the undigested waste out of the body. Students can refer to the NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Solutions Chapter 16 Digestion and Absorption to improve their understanding. Practicing the MCQ helps the students to apply the key concepts and get them ready for the exams. The NCERT exemplar solutions provide a variety of objective-type questions and their answers to test the application of concepts in real-life scenarios.
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This Story also Contains
- NCERT Exemplar Class 11th Biology Solution Chapter 16 Digestion And Absorption- Multiple Choice Questions
- Find the NCERT Exemplar Class 11th Biology Solution Chapter 16- Short Answer Type Questions
- Discover NCERT Exemplar Class 11th Biology Solution Digestion And Absorption- Long Answer Type Questions
- Approach to Solve Questions of Class 11 Biology Chapter 16
- Main topics of NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Chapter 16
- Important Question from NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Chapter 16
- NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Solutions Chapter-Wise
Studying these clear and well-explained answers along with the labeled diagrams increases the analytical thinking and accuracy in exams by regularly working through these resources. Students can ensure a strong understanding of Digestion and Absorption and improve their overall biology scores in both board exams as well as in competitive exams. These exemplar solutions give extra help to the students while attempting the problems given in the NCERT Class 11 Biology Book.
NCERT Exemplar Class 11th Biology Solution Chapter 16 Digestion And Absorption- Multiple Choice Questions
By solving different forms of questions, students gain more clarity about the concepts and how the questions will come in the exam. Given below are various types of questions that students need to practice.
Question:1
Select what is not true of intestinal villi among the following.
(a) They possess microvilli
(b) They increase the surface area
(c) They are supplied with capillaries and the lacteal vessels
(d) They only participate in the digestion of fats
Answer:
The answer is option (d) They only participate in the digestion of fats.Question:2
Hepato-pancreatic duct opens into the duodenum and carries
(a) Bile (b) Pancreatic juice (c) Both bile and pancreatic juice (d) Saliva
Answer:
The answer is option (c) Hepato-pancreatic duct opens into the duodenum and carries both bile and pancreatic juice.Question:3
One of the following is not a common disorder associated with the digestive system.m
(a) Tetanus (b) Diarrhoea (c) Jaundice (d) Dysentery
Answer:
The answer is the option (a) Tetanus is not a common disorder associated with the digestive system.Question:4
A gland not associated with the alimentary canal is
(a) Pancreas (b) Adrenal (c) Liver (d) Salivary glands
Answer:
The answer is option (b) A gland not associated with the alimentary canal is adrenal (this is the endocrine gland).Question:5
Match the two columns and select the correct one among the options given
Options:
(a) A—(ii), B—(i), C—(v), D—(iii), E—(iv)
(b) A—(iv), B—(i), C—(v), D—(ii), E—(iii)
(c) A—(i), B—(ii), C—(iii), D—(iv), E—(v)
(d) A—(i), B—(iii), C—(ii), D—(iv), E-(v)
Answer:
The answer is the option (b) A—(iv), B—(i), C—(v), D—(ii), E—(iii)Question:6
Match the two columns and select the right one among the options given
| Column I | Column II | ||
| A. | Duodenum | (i) | A cartilagenous flap |
| B. | Epiglottis | (ii) | Small blind sac |
| C. | Glottis | (Hi) | ‘C’ shaped structure emerging from the stomach |
| D. | Caecum | (iv) | Opening of windpipe |
(b) A—(iv), B—(iii), C—(ii), D—(i)
(c) A—(iii), B—(i), C—(iv), D—(ii)
(d) A—(ii), B—(iv), C—(i), D—(iii)
Answer:
The answer is the option (c) A—(iii), B—(i), C—(iv), D—(ii)Question:7
Match the enzymes with their respective substrates and choose the right one among the options given.
| Column I | Column II | ||
| A. | Lipase | (i) | Dipeptides |
| B. | Nuclease | (ii) | Fats |
| C. | Carboxypeptidase | (iii) | Nucleic acids |
| D. | Dipeptidases | (iv) | Proteins, peptones and proteases |
(a) A—(ii), B—(iii), C—(i), D—(iv)
(b) A—(iii), B—(iv), C—(ii), D—(i)
(c) A—(iii), B—(i), C—(iv), D—(ii)
(d) A—(ii), B—(iii), C—(iv), D—(i)
Answer:
The answer is the option (d) A—(ii), B—(iii), C—(iv), D—(i)Question:8
Dental Formula for human beings is
a. 3223/3223
b. 2123/2123
c.1232/1232
d. 2233/2233
Answer:
b. 2123/2123Question:9
The liver is the largest gland and is associated with functions, choose one which is not correct
(a) Metabolism of carbohydrate
(b) Digestion of fat
(c) Formation of bile
(d) Secretion of a hormone called gastrin
Answer:
The answer is option (d) secretion of a hormone called gastrin; as the liver performs all the other functions specified herein.Question:10
Mark the right statement among the following
(a) Trypsinogen is an inactive enzyme
(b) ’trypsinogen is secreted by the intestinal mucosa
(c) Enterokinase is secreted by the pancreas
(d) Bile contains trypsin
Answer:
The answer is option (a) Trypsinogen is an inactive enzyme.Access the NCERT Exemplar Class 11th Biology Solution Chapter 16 Digestion And Absorption- Very Short Answer Type Questions:
Question:1
Answer:
The food is then called chime.Question:2
Answer:
Internal mucosa secretes trypsinogen. The enzyme enterokinase activates inactive trypsinogen into active trypsin.Question:3
Answer:
Absorption of water, simple sugar and alcohol occurs in the stomach.Question:4
Name the enzymes involved in the breakdown of nucleotides into sugars and bases.
Answer:
The enzyme involved in the breakdown of nucleotides into sugar and base is nuclease.Question:5
Define digestion in one sentence.
Answer:
Digestion can be defined as the conversion of complex food substances into simpler absorbable forms.Question:6
Answer:
The type of tooth attachment is known as Thecodont.Question:7
Answer:
The three major parts include:(a) Cardiac (b) Fundus (c) Pylorus
Question:9
Correct the following statements by deleting one of the entries (given in bold).
(a) Goblet cells are located in the intestinal mucosal epithelium and secrete
chymotrypsin/mucus.
(b) Fats are broken down into di- and monoglycerides with the help of
amylase/lipases.
(c) Gastric glands of stomach mucosa have oxyntic cells/ chief cells which
secrete HCI.
(d) Saliva contains enzymes that digest
starch/protein.
Answer:
(a) Mucus(b) Lipase
(c) Oxyntic cells.
(d) Starch.
Find the NCERT Exemplar Class 11th Biology Solution Chapter 16- Short Answer Type Questions
Question:1
What is the pancreas? Mention the major secretions of the pancreas that are helpful for digestion.
Answer:
The pancreas is a compound gland, i.e. both endocrine and exocrine glands. It is situated between the limbs of the U-shaped duodenum. It is a mixed gland since it contains both exocrine and endocrine parts. The exocrine portion of this gland secretes the pancreatic juice released in the duodenum and contains digestive enzymes. The digestive enzyme is alkaline and neutralizes the acid present in the food coming from the stomach into the duodenum. Whereas the endocrine portion of this gland secretes hormones: insulin and glucagon that help maintain the level of sugar in the blood.Question:2
Answer:
The part of the alimentary canal where major absorption of digested food takes place in the small intestine. Carbohydrate is absorbed in glucose form, Proteins are absorbed in the form of amino acids, whereas fats are absorbed in the form of fatty acids and glycerol.Question:3
Answer:
The organs present in the human alimentary canal include the mouth, Oesophagus, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine and RectumThe major digestive glands are:
(a) Salivary gland: Mouth, (b) Gastric glands: Stomach, (c) Liver: adjacent to the stomach, (d) Pancreas: Below stomach.
Question:4
What is the role of the gallbladder? What may happen if it stops functioning or is removed?
Answer:
The role of the gall bladder is to store bile juice secreted by the liver and release it as and when required in the duodenum.In case the gall bladder stops functioning or, bile directly moves to the small intestine. The concentration of bile decreases, but the body learns to adjust to this change.
Question:5
Correct the statement given below by the right option shown in the bracket against them.
(a) Absorption of amino acids and glycerol takes place in the___.
(small intestine/ large intestine)
(b) The faeces in the rectum initiate a __reflex causing an urge for its removal.
(neural /hormonal)
(c) Skin and eyes turn yellow in__ infection.
(liver /stomach)
(d) Rennin is a proteolytic enzyme found in gastric juice in__
(infants/adults).
(e) Pancreatic juice and bile are released through.
(intestine-pancreatic/ hepatopancreatic duct)
(f) Dipeptides, disaccharides, and glycerides are broken down into simple substances in the region of ___small intestine.
(jejunum/ duodenum).
Answer:
(a) Small intestine(b) Neural
(c) Liver
(d) Infants
(e) Hepato-pancreatic duct
(f) Duodenum
Question:6
What are the three major types of cells found in the gastric glands? Name their secretions.
Answer:
The major types of cells in gastric glands along with their secretion are:(A) Mucous neck cells secrete mucus
(B) Peptic or chief cells secrete Pepsinogen, Prorennin
(C) Parietal or oxyntic cells secrete HCI and Intrinsic Factor.
Question:7
How is the intestinal mucosa protected from the acidic food entering from the stomach?
Answer:
The activities of the gastrointestinal tract, are regulated by the neural system as well as the hormonal system. Many intrinsic and extrinsic nerves connect this tract. These nerves help in the coordinated functioning of several parts of the alimentary canal. Moreover, there are some hormones as well that play an important role in the coordination of these functions.Question:8
How are the activities of the gastrointestinal tract regulated?
Answer:
Activities of the gastrointestinal tract are under neural and hormonal control for proper coordination of different parts:(i) The sight, smell and/or the presence of food in the oral cavity can stimulate the secretion of saliva.
(ii) Similarly, gastric and intestinal secretions are also stimulated by neural signals.
(iii) The muscular activities of different parts of the alimentary canal can also be moderated by neural mechanisms (both local and through CNS).
(iv) Hormonal control of the secretion of digestive juices is carried out by local hormones produced by the gastric and intestinal mucosa.
Question:9
Distinguish between constipation and indigestion. Mention their major causes.
Answer:
| Constipation | Indigestion |
| This can happen because of the intake of less water and roughage in the diet. | This can happen because of inadequate enzyme secretion, food poisoning, or anxiety. |
| Bowel movement is irregular, and faeces are retained in the rectum. | Improper indigestion of food gives a feeling of fullness. |
| This can be usually cured by improving the intake of water and roughage and by exercise. | This may need medicines for cure. |
Question:10
Describe the enzymatic action on fats in the duodenum.
Answer:
The bile secreted by the liver first carries out the emulsification of fat. After that, the fat is broken down by the enzyme lipase into di- and monoglycerides.Discover NCERT Exemplar Class 11th Biology Solution Digestion And Absorption- Long Answer Type Questions
Question:1
Answer:
Let us first determine what nutrients the man is taking. Roti mainly consists of carbohydrates and fibres, whereas dal contains protein. It may also contain fat due to the addition of oil during cooking.
Thus, the trajectory of the diet would be as follows:
a) Oral Cavity: Saliva is mixed with food, making it a semi-solid paste, which is easier to digest. Moreover, the enzyme, salivary amylase in saliva digests starch. The starch of food is converted into maltose during this process.
b) Oesophagus: No digestion occurs inside the oesophagus.
c) Stomach: Food, once it reaches the stomach, is further churned into an even finer paste. Hydrochloric acid is mixed with the food, which kills germs in the food, if any, as well as provides acidic pH for optimum activity of pepsin. Partial digestion of protein begins in the stomach. Here, the protein present in dal is converted by pepsin into peptones and proteases.
d) Small intestine: Pancreatic juices flow till here. They contain pancreatic amylase which converts polysaccharides into disaccharides. This step further processes the carbohydrates from the roti. Chymotrypsin further breaks peptones and proteoses into dipeptides. Intestinal juice contains various enzymes, which help in the digestion of all the nutrients. The dipeptides are broken down into Amino acids by the enzyme Dipeptidases. Maltose breaks into glucose with the help of Maltase. Lactose breaks into glucose and galactose with the help of lactase. Sucrose breaks into glucose and fructose with the help of Sucrase. The di- and monoglycerides are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol with the help of Lipases.
Once all the nutrients are finally converted into their simpler forms, they get absorbed by the walls of the small intestine. After that, the remaining undigested food is sent to the large intestine and is passed on to the rectum.
Question:2
Answer:
a) Secretions from Gastric Glands: These glands secrete gastric juice which contains hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin. In infants, renin is also secreted by the stomach. Rennin helps in the digestion of milk.
b) Secretions from the Liver: The liver produces the bile juice. Bile does not contain any enzyme but plays an important role in digestion. It facilitates the emulsification of fats so that their digestion can be easier. Bile also provides an alkaline medium so that the enzymes in the small intestine can work.
c) Secretions from Pancreas: The pancreas secretes pancreatic juice which contains inactive enzymes like amylase, lipase, nuclease; trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen. Trypsinogen is activated by an enzyme enterokinase into active trypsin, secreted by the intestinal mucosa. Trypsin, then activate other enzymes in the pancreatic juice. Amylase digests carbohydrates and trypsin/chymotrypsin digests protein.
d) Secretions from Small Intestine: Small intestine secretes succus entericus which contains various enzymes including dipeptidase, lipase, lactase, etc.
e) End Products of Digestion: The final products of digestion are simpler substances like glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, and glycerol. These substances can be easily absorbed by the villi present in the small intestine.
Question:3
Discuss the mechanisms of absorption.
Answer:
The Absorption of digested food happens through three mechanisms, namely: passive, active or facilitated transport mechanisms.
Simple Diffusion: Small amounts of monosaccharides, amino acids, and some electrolytes are absorbed by diffusion. The passage of the above substances into the blood depends on the concentration gradient.
Facilitated Transport: Fructose, as well as some amino acids, are absorbed with the help of carrier ions like Na+. This method is known as facilitated transport.
Transport of Fatty Acids and glycerols: These substances are not absorbed into the blood because they are insoluble. They are made into small droplets; called micelles. These move to the intestinal mucosa. In the intestinal mucosa, these micelles get converted into very small protein-coated globules, called chylomicrons. The chylomicrons are then transported into the lymph vessels in the villi. The lymph vessels finally release them into the bloodstream.
Question:4
Answer:
The hepato-pancreatic complex is very crucial for the digestion of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.Role of Liver: The liver produces the bile juice. Bile does not contain any enzyme but plays an important role in digestion. It facilitates the emulsification of fats
so that their digestion can be easier. Bile also provides an alkaline medium so that the enzymes in the small intestine can work.
Role of Pancreas: The Pancreas secretes pancreatic juice which contains inactive enzymes like amylase, lipase, nuclease; trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen.
Trypsinogen is activated by an enzyme enterokinase into active trypsin, secreted by the intestinal mucosa. Trypsin, then activate other enzymes in the pancreatic juice. Amylase digests carbohydrates, and trypsin/chymotrypsin digests protein.
Question:5
Explain the process of digestion in the buccal cavity with a note on the arrangement of teeth.
Answer:
Arrangement of Teeth: In human beings, each tooth is embedded in a socket of the jawbone. This type of attachment is known as the diphyodont. Human beings get two sets of teeth in their lifetime, i.e. temporary teeth, and permanent teeth. Milk teeth are temporary and are replaced by permanent teeth. This type of arrangement is diphyodont.
There are four types of teeth in human beings, namely incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Each half of a jaw contains numbers of each type of teeth. This can be shown by the following dental formula: 2123/2123. This shows that there are 2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolars, and 3 molar teeth in each half of a jaw. Thus, there are a total of 32 teeth in a human adult.
Also, Check NCERT Books and NCERT Syllabus here
- NCERT Books Class 11 Biology
- NCERT Syllabus Class 11 Biology
- NCERT Books Class 11
- NCERT Syllabus Class 11
Approach to Solve Questions of Class 11 Biology Chapter 16
Solving the questions is important because having a clear approach helps students break down the chapter into easy-to-understand sections, making it simpler to remember the sequence of digestion, enzyme actions, and absorption processes. A step-by-step strategy also helps in answering both direct and tricky application-based questions in exams.
Read the NCERT and Exemplar to understand the structure and function of the digestive system, including glands and enzymes.
Practice drawing labeled diagrams of the digestive system and the process of digestion.
Memorize the sequence of digestion and absorption for carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Solve all NCERT and Exemplar questions, focusing on the role of different enzymes, hormones, and absorption mechanisms.
Revise key differences, such as between primary and permanent teeth, and the functions of different digestive glands
Also, Read NCERT Solution subject-wise
- NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Maths
- NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics
- NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry
Main topics of NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Chapter 16
This chapter explains how the human digestive system functions and how nutrients are absorbed in the human body. It covers both anatomical features and the processes involved.
- Human alimentary canal
- Digestive glands and secretions
- Enzymes in digestion
- Absorption in small intestine
- Digestive system disorders
- Digestive Hormones
- Role of bile
- Mechanical vs chemical digestion
NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Solutions for Other Subjects
| NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Mathematics Solutions |
| NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Chemistry Solutions |
| NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Solutions |
Important Question from NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Chapter 16
This question helps the students to test their understanding of key concepts and is useful for both NEET and school exam preparation.
Question 1: In the process of digestion, what type of digestive activities are primarily associated with the contributions of the liver and pancreas?
Options:
- Both hepatic secretions involve mechanical breakdown.
- The liver and pancreas engage in chemical and mechanical digestion, respectively.
- Both hepatic secretions involve chemical breakdown.
- The liver and pancreas contribute to mechanical and chemical digestion, respectively.
Answer: The correct answer is option 4)The liver and pancreas contribute to mechanical and chemical digestion, respectively.
Explanation:
The liver primarily helps in mechanical digestion, which involves the physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces. The liver does not directly participate in chemical digestion, which involves the breakdown of food molecules through the action of enzymes. On the other hand, the pancreas plays a crucial role in chemical digestion by secreting digestive enzymes into the small intestine.
Must Read NCERT Notes subject-wise
- NCERT Notes for Class 11 Maths
- NCERT Notes for Class 11 Physics
- NCERT Notes for Class 11 Chemistry
- NCERT Notes for Class 11 Biology
NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology Solutions Chapter-Wise
Find below the links to all chapters of Class 11. These answers help in building strong concepts and prepare effectively for exams like NEET and school tests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who has solved the NCERT questions?
Our highly experienced guides and mentors have solved every question, keeping in mind the syllabus and the pattern of the CBSE.
2. How are these NCERT solutions helpful to students?
Students can take help from these solutions, whole practising the questions and while learning the topics to get a better grasp on the chapter.
3. Are these solutions downloadable?
Yes, you can download these NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology chapter 16 solutions PDF Download for offline reference from the solutions page.
4. Are these questions and solutions exam-oriented?
Yes, every question and solution in NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Biology solutions chapter 16 is helpful while preparing for both board exams and competitive exams.
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