Chapter 23, Problem 29RQ

Summary Introduction

To review:

The beginning site for the chemical digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the alimentary canal.

Introduction:

The process of chemical digestion is the breakdown of swallowed food after chewing and mastication by digestive enzymes. There are three main macromolecules in food; carbohydrates which are degraded by amylases, proteins which are degraded by proteases, and fats which are degraded by lipases. The degradation is initiated in different parts of the alimentary canal depending upon numerous factors.