The conversion of a nutrient into a molecule in the body of a consumer is referred to as

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term describing the conversion of a nutrient into a molecule in the body of a consumer. This is about what happens to nutrients after they have entered the body, when they are turned into useful body substances.

Step 2: Explain the concepts Here is what each term means:

• Digestion: the breakdown of large, insoluble food molecules into small, soluble ones (e.g., starch to glucose) in the alimentary canal.
• Absorption: the movement of digested food molecules from the gut (mainly the ileum) into the blood or lymph.
• Assimilation: the use of absorbed nutrients by body cells to build new tissue or release energy. For example, amino acids are built into body proteins, and glucose is converted to glycogen or oxidised for energy.
• Inhibition: the slowing or stopping of a process (such as enzyme activity). It has nothing to do with nutrient processing.

Step 3: Apply to the question The nutrient is changed into a molecule that becomes part of the consumer's body, such as protein, glycogen or fat. This is the definition of assimilation. Digestion only breaks food down, and absorption only moves it into the blood.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. assimilation.

Exam tip: Remember the order of nutrition in animals: Ingestion → Digestion → Absorption → Assimilation → Egestion. Assimilation is the stage where food becomes part of the body. Think "assimilate = make similar to the body."