key term - Assimilation

Definition

Assimilation is the process by which organisms incorporate nutrients from food into their own tissues. It involves the conversion of absorbed nutrients into biologically useful forms such as proteins and carbohydrates.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Assimilation occurs after the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
2. It is essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues in organisms.
3. In ecosystems, assimilation helps transfer energy through different trophic levels.
4. Photosynthesis in plants is a form of assimilation where light energy is converted into chemical energy.
5. Heterotrophic organisms rely on assimilated nutrients to fuel cellular processes.

Review Questions

• What role does assimilation play in nutrient cycling within an ecosystem?
• How does assimilation differ between autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms?
• Why is assimilation important for the functioning of an ecosystem?

Related terms

Digestion:

The process by which food is broken down into smaller components that can be absorbed by the body.

Absorption:

The process by which nutrients from digested food are taken up into the bloodstream or cells.

Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with carbon dioxide and water.