This environment seems very harsh to us, being acidic and full of digestive enzymes. However, like any good parasite, tapeworms are well adapted not only to survive this environment but use it to their benefit.
It is worth noting that tapeworms have no digestive canal of their own; they have to take up nutrients across their surface. The type of cells present and the structure of the tapeworm surface both reflect the ability to absorb nutrients this way. For example, the surface area of the tapeworm is greatly increased by its formation into numerous projections, (similar to the microvilli of mucosal epithelial cells).
There are a number of factors that keep the tapeworm from being digested in the intestinal environment. These include:
A distinct outer surface, manufactured by the worm, which is replaced continuously with a turnover time of approximately 6 hours.
Absorption of host enzymes at the outer surface of the tapeworm.
Direct inhibition of the activity of host digestive enzymes.
To explain these points a little further:
The fast turnover time of the outer membrane of the tapeworms is likely part of the tapeworms’ defences against attack by host digestive enzymes since a “new coat” is being continually produced.
Apart from its own enzymes, which can be found on the surface of the tapeworm and are used to break down molecules into forms that can be absorbed, (e.g. glucose, other sugars, nucleosides, etc.), certain host enzymes have also been found adsorbed to the worm surface. For example, the host enzyme alpha-amylase absorbs to the surface of the worm, and is used to break down starch.
Other host enzymes, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, with which you may be familiar, are actually inactivated at the surface of the worm.
So, in effect, the tapeworm can avoid digestion by hijacking some host digestive enzymes, and inactivating others.
Amazingly, the immediate environment of a tapeworm in the host intestine is quite uniform despite the intake and digestion of food periodically.
Published by connie dello buono
Connie Dello Buono is based in Sunnyvale California. Her first ebook is about women's health, Birthing Ways Healing Ways and her recent one is about cancer prevention, Curated Healing Ways. She had helped women have holistic childbirth as childbirth educator, founded Motherhealth, to serve seniors in the bay area with holistic caregivers and blogs at www.clubalthea.com with more than 10,000 health and finance related posts.
Connie trains her own caregivers, which are the favorites of most bay area seniors who are home bound and alone.
She is active in the rehab and nursing facilities, volunteering on music and movement for seniors.
She is a member of Lion's club and offered scholarships to students in the Philippines.
She is active at churchinsunnyvale.us and has Fridays Bible home study in Sunnyvale using the recovery version of the Bible , free at biblesforamerica.us
She loves dancing and teaching and her courses can be found at
https://teachclub.com/@thriveafter60
She is California Life Insurance licensed providing life insurance for older adults with health issues and helping women retire safely with income for life.
at menloassetca.com , she helps with 401k rollover.
3 Benefit plans
- Mortgage protection using term life insurance to pay for mortgage balance in event of death
- Final Expense plan using Single Issue Whole Life Insurance, with cash back, disability benefit and guaranteed in the presence of health issues
- Fixed Index Annuity retirement plan for safe, accessibility, less fees, less taxes, avoids probate as it goes directly to beneficiaries, rate of return with no downside market participation.
She brings compassion and understanding to the needs of her clients, bringing holistic approach in health and life insurance. Her goal is to free families from worries especially during covid with caregivers and life insurance in the presence of health issues, especially for women.
She can be reached at 408-854-1883 , motherhealth@gmail.com
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