What Is Chemical Digestion?

Digestive Enzymes:

During the process of chemical digestion, enzymes catalyse the breakdown of complex molecules into smaller, absorbable molecules. Enzymes are the catalysts that speed up the rate of these chemical reactions, allowing the body to break down food and extract the nutrients it needs.

Carbohydrate Digestion:

Enzymes in saliva, beginning the process of digesting carbohydrates such as starches. Once the food enters the stomach, gastric juices with the enzyme pepsin begin to break down proteins.

Protein Digestion:

As the chyme enters the small intestine, various digestive enzymes are released from the pancreas and the intestinal wall. Pancreatic amylase continues the breakdown of starch into simpler sugars, while pancreatic lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Fat Digestion:

Bile from the liver aids in the digestion of fats by emulsifying them into smaller droplets. This increases the surface area of fat particles, allowing digestive enzymes easier access to break them down.

Absorption:

Once the food has been chemically broken down, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The inner lining of the small intestine is lined with villi, small finger-like projections covered with microvilli, which increase the absorptive surface area.

Chemical digestion is a crucial step in the process of nutrition, ensuring the body can break down the food consumed into components it can use for growth, energy, and other bodily functions.