Biology - EOY prep

Mechanical digestion

The physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces without altering its chemical structure

Chemical digestion

The breakdown of macromolecules into their monomeric units (e.g., proteins into amino acids) through enzymes like amylase, lipase and pepsin.

What are the key organelles of the digestive tract?

Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, anus and rectum, alongside accessory organs like the gallbladder, pancreas and liver

Why is digestion important?

Digestion breaks down complex food molecules into smaller, absorbable units—such as amino acids, simple sugars, and fatty acids—that the body can absorb into the bloodstream. It can use this for energy, growth, repair, and cellular functions.

What is photosynthesis?

The process by which plants synthesise sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and energy in the form of glucose. This is a conversion of light energy to chemical energy.

Chemical formula for photosynthesis

6CO2 + 6H2O = C6H12O6 + 6O2

What is respiration?

The chemical process by which energy is released from glucose. It occurs in all living cells.

Where does respiration take place?

In the mitochondria

Where does photosynthesis take place?

In the chloroplast

Chemical formula for respiration

C6H12O6 + 6O2 = 6CO2 + 6H2O