Fill in the blank

A(n) _______ is a substance that helps in the chemical digestion of food

epiglottis
enzyme
gallbladder
peristalsis

enzyme

which of the following organs is where most nutrients are absorbed

large intestine
esophagus
small intestine
stomach

small intestine

The kidneys contains millions of tiny filtering units called

urine
villi
peristalsis
nephrons

nephrons

The kidneys have an important job of

reabsorbing water into the bloodstream
filtering the blood to remove wastes
breaking down food mechanically
producing bile to help digest fats

filtering the blood to remove wastes

Proteins are made up of substances called

amino acids
sugars
carbohydrates
starches

amino acids

The correct answer to fill in the blank is "enzyme."

To find the answer, we can break down the question into parts:

1. We are looking for a substance that helps in the chemical digestion of food.
2. The given options are epiglottis, enzyme, gallbladder, and peristalsis.

To determine the correct answer, we can eliminate the options that do not fit the given definition. Let's go through each option:

1. Epiglottis: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue. Its primary function is to prevent food and drink from entering the windpipe during swallowing. It does not play a direct role in the chemical digestion of food, so we can eliminate this option.

2. Enzyme: Enzymes are biological molecules that speed up chemical reactions. In the context of digestion, enzymes play a crucial role by breaking down food molecules into smaller, more absorbable components. Therefore, an enzyme is a substance that helps in the chemical digestion of food.

3. Gallbladder: The gallbladder is an organ located beneath the liver. It stores bile, a substance produced by the liver that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. While the gallbladder is involved in digestion, it does not actually help in the chemical digestion of food. It mainly stores and releases bile, so we can eliminate this option.

4. Peristalsis: Peristalsis refers to the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of muscles in the digestive tract, which helps move food through the digestive system. While peristalsis is essential for the movement of food, it is not a substance involved in the chemical digestion of food. Therefore, we can eliminate this option.

Considering the definitions and eliminating the options that do not fit, we are left with "enzyme" as the correct answer.