Carbohydrate Digestion and Absorption

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Questions and Answers

The digestion of carbohydrates begins in the stomach.

False (B)

Salivary amylase is deactivated by stomach acid.

True (A)

The stomach juices contain enzymes that digest carbohydrates.

False (B)

Pancreatic amylase continues the work of breaking down polysaccharides into shorter glucose chains and maltose in the small intestine.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The conversion of disaccharides into their simple sugars takes place in the stomach.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Carbohydrate Digestion: Mouth

The process of breaking down carbohydrates begins in the mouth with chewing. Saliva contains the enzyme amylase, which starts to break down starch into smaller sugars.

Carbohydrate Digestion: Stomach

Stomach acid and protein-digesting enzymes inactivate salivary amylase, meaning it stops working.

Carbohydrate Digestion: Small Intestine

The small intestine is where most carbohydrate digestion takes place. Pancreatic amylase is released into the small intestine and breaks down polysaccharides into shorter glucose chains and maltose.

Final Carbohydrate Digestion: Small Intestine

Disaccharides, such as maltose, are broken down into individual sugar molecules by specific enzymes on the surface of intestinal cells. These sugars are then absorbed into the bloodstream.

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Fiber: The Satiety Factor

Fiber, which is a type of carbohydrate, is not digested by the body but helps regulate digestion by slowing down gastric emptying. This gives you a feeling of fullness.

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Study Notes

Carbohydrate Digestion and Absorption

Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth.
Chewing stimulates saliva production.
Salivary amylase hydrolyzes starch into polysaccharides and maltose.
In the stomach, swallowed food mixes with acid and protein-digesting enzymes, which inactivate salivary amylase.
Stomach acid further breaks down carbohydrates to a lesser extent.
Stomach juices cannot digest carbohydrates effectively.
Dietary fiber lingers in the stomach, slowing gastric emptying and promoting satiety.
The small intestine is the primary site for carbohydrate digestion.
Pancreatic amylase, a major carbohydrate-digesting enzyme, enters the intestine and further breaks down polysaccharides into shorter glucose chains and maltose.
Final carbohydrate breakdown occurs on the intestinal cell membrane, where specific enzymes break down disaccharides.

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Description

This quiz explores the intricate process of carbohydrate digestion, starting from the mouth to the small intestine. Learn how enzymes like salivary amylase and pancreatic amylase play crucial roles in breaking down various carbohydrate forms. Test your understanding of how these processes contribute to nutritional absorption and overall digestion.