Final answer:
Gut microbiota contributes to food digestion by synthesizing nutrients, fermenting carbohydrates, and producing short-chain fatty acids that benefit the host.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option is: B) Gut microbiota synthesizes nutrients that aid in digestion. Gut microbiota play a crucial role in food digestion by contributing to the synthesis of various compounds and aiding in nutrient absorption. While they do not secrete digestive enzymes like the host, they provide essential functions:
1. Fermentation: Gut bacteria ferment undigested carbohydrates, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which serve as an energy source and play a role in maintaining intestinal health.
2. Vitamin Synthesis: Certain gut bacteria are involved in synthesizing vitamins, such as B vitamins (B12, folate) and vitamin K, which are essential for various metabolic processes.
3. Metabolism of Complex Substances: Gut microbiota can break down complex compounds, such as plant polysaccharides, that are otherwise indigestible by the host's enzymes.
Rather than competing with host enzymes, the gut microbiota form a symbiotic relationship with the host, contributing to the overall efficiency of the digestive process and influencing the availability of nutrients for absorption.