The roles of the large intestines
There are a variety of roles that occur within the large intestines. In this first posting please focus on one of the roles of the large intestines, explain it, describe the cells that help accomplish this role, and other structures or organisms that contribute to the process.
Sample Answer
Sure. One of the roles of the large intestine is to reabsorb water from the undigested food that is passed from the small intestine. This is important because it helps to solidify the stool and make it easier to pass.
The cells that help to accomplish this role are the colonocytes. Colonocytes are the main cells that line the large intestine. They have a number of specialized features that help them to absorb water. These features include:
- Microvilli: Microvilli are tiny projections that extend from the surface of colonocytes. They increase the surface area of the colonocytes, which allows them to absorb more water.
- Brush border enzymes: Brush border enzymes are enzymes that are located on the surface of colonocytes. They help to break down undigested food into smaller molecules that can be more easily absorbed.
- Active transport: Colonocytes use active transport to absorb water. Active transport is a process that requires energy. It allows colonocytes to absorb water against the concentration gradient.