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Chapter 16: Problem 2

Explain the purpose of mechanical digestion, and give two examples. Explain the purpose of chemical digestion, and give two examples. (p. 370 )

Short Answer

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Answer: The purpose of mechanical digestion is to break down large food particles into smaller pieces, increasing the surface area for more efficient chemical digestion. Two examples of mechanical digestion are chewing in the mouth and churning in the stomach. The purpose of chemical digestion is to break down complex molecules in food into simpler molecules, allowing the body to absorb essential nutrients. Two examples of chemical digestion are the enzyme amylase breaking down carbohydrates in the mouth and stomach acids and enzymes breaking down proteins in the stomach.

Step by step solution

01

Define Mechanical Digestion

Mechanical digestion is the process by which food is physically broken down into smaller pieces. This is done primarily through chewing and the muscular contraction of the stomach (churning). This increases the surface area of the food particles for chemical digestion to occur more effectively.
02

Discuss the Purpose of Mechanical Digestion

The main purpose of mechanical digestion is to break down large food particles into smaller pieces. This increases the surface area of food particles, allowing digestive enzymes to work more efficiently in the subsequent process of chemical digestion.
03

Give Two Examples of Mechanical Digestion

Example 1: Chewing, which occurs in the mouth through the action of teeth and the tongue, breaks down food into smaller pieces, mixing it with saliva to create a bolus (a soft, moist ball) that can be easily swallowed. Example 2: Churning, the mixing and grinding of food in the stomach due to muscular contractions, further breaks down food particles, allowing them to be better exposed to digestive enzymes and stomach acid.
04

Define Chemical Digestion

Chemical digestion is the process of breaking down complex molecules found in food into smaller, simpler molecules using enzymes and digestive fluids. This allows the body to absorb essential nutrients and remove waste products.
05

Discuss the Purpose of Chemical Digestion

The main purpose of chemical digestion is to break down food particles into simpler molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This enables the body to absorb and utilize these essential nutrients for energy, growth, and repair.
06

Give Two Examples of Chemical Digestion

Example 1: The enzyme amylase, found in saliva, starts breaking down carbohydrates (starch) in the mouth into simpler molecules (maltose). Example 2: After being churned in the stomach, food is mixed with stomach acid and digestive enzymes, like pepsin, which helps break down proteins into simpler molecules, called amino acids. This process continues in the small intestine with the help of pancreatic enzymes and bile, which further break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into their simplest forms for absorption.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Describe the function of the pharynx, esophagus, and lower esophageal sphincter. (pp. 372-374)

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