Question

villi are small projections that line the inside of the small intestine. the villi are covered in even smaller hair - like projections called microvilli, which increase the surface area of the small intestine. the villi and microvilli function to absorb nutrients from digested food into cells. celiac disease is a condition in which the villi that line the small intestine are damaged and may disappear as a result of an adverse reaction to gluten. predict how a reduction in the number of villi and microvilli in the small intestine would affect the rate of absorption of nutrients. (4 points) justify your response. (4 points)

Explanation:

The surface area of the small intestine is crucial for nutrient absorption. Villi and microvilli increase this surface area. A reduction in their number would decrease the surface area available for absorption. According to the principle that a larger surface area allows for more efficient absorption (as there is more space for molecules to pass through into cells), a smaller surface area (due to fewer villi and microvilli) would lead to a slower rate of nutrient absorption.

Answer:

A reduction in the number of villi and microvilli would decrease the rate of nutrient absorption. This is because villi and microvilli increase the surface area of the small intestine, and a smaller surface area means less space for nutrients from digested food to be absorbed into cells.