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Digestion

Explain physical digestion as the process of breaking food into smaller pieces without altering the chemical structure of the food molecules.

7

Objectives

70

Flashcards

49

Questions

90 min

Study time

CambridgeIGCSECombined ScienceHuman nutrition

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7 objective pages available

Digestion outcomes7 objectives
  • Explain physical digestion as the process of breaking food into smaller pieces without altering the chemical structure of the food molecules.
  • Explain chemical digestion as the process that transforms large insoluble molecules into smaller soluble ones.
  • Recognize that physical digestion enhances the surface area of food, facilitating the action of enzymes during chemical digestion.
  • Identify the importance of chemical digestion in creating small soluble molecules that can be absorbed by the body.
  • Outline the functions of enzymes: (a) amylase converts starch into simple sugars, (b) proteases break down proteins into amino acids, (c) lipase decomposes fats and oils into fatty acids and glycerol.
  • Identify the locations in the digestive system where amylase, protease, and lipase are produced and where they exert their effects.
  • Explain the functions of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice, specifically its role in eliminating harmful microorganisms in food and maintaining an acidic pH for optimal protease activity in the stomach.

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