IGCSE Biology glossary
Assimilation
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
The movement of digested food molecules into the cells of the body where they are used, becoming part of the cells.
What to include in an exam answer
The paying idea is that absorbed molecules are taken into cells and used or built into the cell, not simply absorbed across the gut wall (that is absorption). A classic mark point: amino acids are assimilated and used to build proteins, and glucose is assimilated and used in respiration. Drop a mark by treating assimilation as a synonym for absorption.
Example in context
On protein in the diet: 'After absorption, amino acids are assimilated into the cells where they are built up into new proteins for growth and repair.'
Related syllabus topic
Human nutrition