Chapter 26.4, Problem 34LO

Summary Introduction

To describe: The chemical digestion of carbohydrates which occurs in the small intestine.

Concept introduction: Carbohydrates are complex macromolecules that act as the most important source of energy in the human diet. Complex macromolecules are simplified and broken down into a smaller absorbable form through a process called as digestion. Carbohydrate digestion takes place in two different sites of the body. Initial digestion of carbohydrate takes place in the oral cavity that is followed by the digestion in the gastrointestinal tract (particularly in the small intestine).