Part 1: Digestion

Question 1

What is digestion?

Answer 1

The breaking down of larger, insoluble molecules of food into smaller, soluble molecules. These can then be absorbed into the bloodstream by the body.

Question 2

What are the two types of digestion?

Answer 2

Physical and chemical digestion?

Question 3

What is physical digestion?

Answer 3

This is the first stage of digestion, it’s quick and us where chunks of food are broken into smaller bits, firstly by chewing.

Question 4

What is chemical digestion?

Answer 4

This is the second stage of digestion. It’s slower because larger, insoluble molecules are chemically broken down into even smaller soluble molecules. This is mostly done by enzymes.

Question 5

Compare the similarities between physical and chemical digestion.

Answer 5

Physical digestion is quicker than chemical digestion.
Chemical digestion involves enzymes, emulsification, and digestion by acid, but physical digestion doesn’t.
Both increase the surface area of the food.
Chemical digestion converts large insoluble molecules into smaller soluble ones, but physical digestion doesn’t.
Physical digestion involves chewing or churning food, but chemical digestion doesn’t.