cellularrespTS

Chemical Digestion

The process of breaking down food into smaller, absorbable components.

Amylase

A digestive enzyme in saliva that breaks down starch into maltose.

Proteins

Long chains of amino acids used by the body for growth and repair.

Emulsification

The process of breaking down fats into smaller droplets to mix with water.

Lipase

An enzyme that breaks down fat molecules into glycerol and fatty acids.

Vitamins and Minerals

Nutrients that do not undergo chemical digestion but are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

Glycerol

A component of fat molecules that is released during fat digestion.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins, which are not identical in structure.

Digestive Enzymes

Chemicals that speed up the breakdown of food molecules into smaller components.

Carbohydrates

Nutrients that provide energy, broken down into simple sugars, primarily glucose.

Gallbladder

The organ that releases bile to help emulsify fats during digestion.

Stomach

An organ in the digestive system where proteins and some fats are chemically digested.

Bile

A substance that aids in the emulsification of fats, released by the gallbladder.