Small intestine

Question 1

Digestion and absorption of the small intestine

Answer 1

• Lining of small intestine secretes a range of digestive enzymes
• Chemical digestion of protein, carbohydrates and lipids happen in the small intestine

Question 2

Intestinal protease

Answer 2

• Breaks down proteins into small amino acids

Question 3

Intestinal amylase

Answer 3

• Breaks disaccharides into small monosaccharide molecules

Question 4

Small intestinal lipase

Answer 4

• Breaks down glycerol/fatty acids into smaller fatty molecules

Question 5

What are the small molecules produced chemical digestion in the small intestine?

Answer 5

• Small amino acids
• Small monosaccharides
• Small digested (fat) molecules
  (These are soluble and can be absorbed into blood through walls of small intestine)