Question

visking tubing can be used to model the small intestine. This model does not fully represent the structure and functions of the small intestine. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of this model. (6)

Answer 1

**Strengths of Visking Tubing Model for the Small Intestine:**
1. **Simplicity:** Visking tubing is easy to use and demonstrates basic principles of osmosis and diffusion.
2. **Cost-Effective:** It's affordable and accessible for educational purposes.
3. **Visual Representation:** It provides a visual representation of how nutrients pass through a semi-permeable membrane, aiding in conceptual understanding.

**Weaknesses of Visking Tubing Model for the Small Intestine:**
1. **Simplistic:** It oversimplifies the complex structure and functions of the small intestine, omitting features like villi and microvilli.
2. **Lack of Realism:** It cannot replicate the dynamic, enzyme-driven processes of digestion and absorption.
3. **Limited Scope:** It focuses solely on passive diffusion, ignoring active transport mechanisms crucial in nutrient absorption.
4. **Static:** It doesn't account for the continuous peristaltic movement in the small intestine.
5. **Inaccuracy:** Real small intestines have a much larger surface area than Visking tubing, impacting nutrient absorption kinetics.