IGCSEScienceCambridge (CIE)Combined ScienceBiologyRevision Notes7. Human NutritionHuman Diet & DigestionChemical Digestion

Chemical Digestion (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Combined Science): Revision Note

Exam code: 0653

Lára Marie McIvor

Last updated

Cambridge (CIE) Combined Science: BiologyCambridge (CIE) Biology

Chemical Digestion

  • Chemical digestion is the breakdown of large insoluble molecules into small soluble molecules

    • E.g., starch is broken down into simple sugars using the enzyme amylase

  • Enzymes are required for chemical digestion to take place

Diagram showing specific enzymes breaking down a starch molecule into separate glucose molecules, depicted as red circles with labels and arrows.
Chemical digestion involves the breakdown of large insoluble molecules into small soluble molecules for absorption

Chemical Digestion & Absorption: Extended

  • Chemical digestion is required because large insoluble molecules are unable to be absorbed through the wall of the small intestines

  • Small soluble molecules produced from chemical digestion, are easily absorbed into the surrounding capillaries

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    Lára Marie McIvor

    Author: Lára Marie McIvor

    Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

    Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.