Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

How do organisms make nutrients available to cells?

1. Inhalation and digestion

2. Absorption and transportation

3. Secretion and filtration

4. Excretion and respiration

The correct answer is: Absorption and transportation

Organisms make nutrients available to cells primarily through the processes of absorption and transportation. After nutrients are acquired through ingestion or other means, they must be absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the cells where they are required for various metabolic functions. Absorption occurs in the digestive system, mainly in the intestines, where nutrients from digested food are taken up into the body. This allows essential components like glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids to enter the circulation. Following absorption, transportation is facilitated by the circulatory system, which carries these nutrients to cells throughout the body. Together, these processes ensure that cells have the necessary nutrients to perform vital functions like energy production, growth, and repair. While other options suggest various biological processes, they do not accurately represent the primary mechanisms by which cells receive nutrients.