Chemical Digestion (Cambridge International IGCSE Biology)

Spec point — Describe chemical digestion as the break down of large insoluble molecules into small soluble molecules State the role of chemical digestion in producing small soluble molecules that can be absorbed

Chemical digestion

• Chemical digestion is the breakdown of large insoluble molecules into small soluble molecules

  • E.g. starch (a large insoluble molecule) is broken down into simple sugars (small, soluble molecules) by the enzyme amylase

• Chemical digestion is required because large insoluble molecules are unable to be absorbed through the wall of the small intestine

• Small soluble molecules produced by chemical digestion are easily absorbed into the surrounding capillaries in the wall of the small intestine

• Enzymes are required for chemical digestion to take place

Chemical digestion involves the breakdown of large insoluble molecules into small soluble molecules for absorption