Foundation
Biology Foundation
Nutrition
Question
The process of digestion begins with
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Solution
Digestion Process Explanation
The process of digestion begins with amylase.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Step 1: Digestion starts in the mouth where food is chewed and mixed with saliva.
Step 2: Saliva contains the enzyme amylase (specifically salivary amylase).
Step 3: Amylase begins breaking down complex carbohydrates (starches) into simpler sugars like maltose.
Step 4: This is the first chemical digestion step in the human body, making amylase the correct answer.
Why not the others?
- Trypsin: Works in the small intestine to break down proteins (not the beginning)
- Lactase: Breaks down lactose (milk sugar) in the small intestine (not the beginning)
- Pepsin: Works in the stomach to break down proteins (comes after amylase)
Related Enzymes and Their Functions:
| Enzyme | Location | Substrate | Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amylase | Mouth (saliva) | Starch | Maltose |
| Pepsin | Stomach | Proteins | Peptides |
| Trypsin | Small intestine | Proteins/Peptides | Amino acids |
| Lactase | Small intestine | Lactose | Glucose + Galactose |
Chemical Reaction Formula:
The reaction catalyzed by amylase can be represented as:
Final Answer: The process of digestion begins with amylase.