Explain how energy is produced through diet and digestion

Given the diversity of animal life on our planet, it is not surprising that the animal diet would also vary substantially. The animal diet is the source of materials needed for building DNA and other complex molecules needed for growth, maintenance, and reproduction; collectively these processes are called biosynthesis. The diet is also the source of materials for ATP production in the cells. The diet must be balanced to provide the minerals and vitamins that are required for cellular function.

What You’ll Learn to Do

• Describe the essential nutrients required for cellular function that cannot be synthesized by the animal body
• Identify common nutrients essential to life
• Explain how energy is produced through diet and digestion

Learning Activities

The learning activities for this section include the following:

• Food Requirements
• Essential Nutrients
• Food Energy and ATP
• Self Check: Nutrition and Energy Production