Describe the process of carbohydrate digestion.

Mastication breaks down food into smaller chunks increasing the surface area for digestive enzymes to work on, and making it easier to swallow the food. The salivary gland secretes amylase which hydrolyses starch into smaller molecules called maltose. The food moves down the oesophagus due to peristaltic muscle movement. No carbohydrate digestion occurs in the stomach because of the high acidity which denatures amylase. The bolus moves into the small intestine which secretes maltase. Bile is formed in the liver and is secreted into the small intestine also in order to neutralise stomach acid. The maltase hydrolyses maltase into glucose monomers, which are small enough to be absorbed into the blood stream.

Answered by Ela K. Biology tutor

2693 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Can you explain the food chain?


What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?


Describe how oxygen moves into the blood at the lungs.


What is the difference between meiosis and mitosis


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences