GED Science Practice

What describes assimilation?

1. Process by which digested food is utilized by the body to build up or repair cells

2. The joining of atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei

3. One of a group of "minor plants" between Mars and Jupiter

4. An upper chamber of the heart that receives blood from the veins

The correct answer is: Process by which digested food is utilized by the body to build up or repair cells

The process of assimilation refers to how organisms utilize the digested food they consume to construct and repair their cells. This is a critical function in biological systems because it supports growth, tissue repair, and overall metabolic processes. After food is ingested and digested, nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to cells, where they are used for energy, growth, and cellular repair. This encompasses the entire process from digestion to the efficient incorporation of nutrients into the body's structure, enabling organ function and maintaining homeostasis. In contrast, the other choices relate to different scientific concepts that do not pertain to assimilation. The joining of atomic nuclei pertains to nuclear fusion, which is a process happening under extreme temperatures and pressures in stars. The mention of minor plants refers to asteroids found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, unrelated to the biological processes of nutrition. Lastly, the upper chamber of the heart known as the atrium functions in the circulatory system, receiving blood, but does not directly correlate to the utilization of nutrients within the body. Thus, the definition of assimilation aligns explicitly with the utilization of digested food to support bodily functions.