1. Digestion: This is the breakdown of large food molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body. This occurs in the digestive system.
2. Absorption: The smaller molecules from digestion are taken up by the cells lining the digestive tract and enter the bloodstream.
3. Cellular Respiration: This is the process by which cells extract energy from absorbed nutrients (primarily glucose) through a series of biochemical reactions. This process produces ATP, the energy currency of cells.
4. Biosynthesis (Anabolism): Using the energy from ATP, cells build complex molecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids) from the smaller molecules obtained through absorption and cellular respiration. These new molecules are then used to construct cell structures and components.
Therefore, the order is Digestion -> Absorption -> Cellular Respiration -> Biosynthesis (Anabolism).
