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IGCSEBiologyCambridge (CIE)Revision Notes7. Human NutritionHuman Diet & DigestionChemical Digestion

Chemical Digestion (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Biology): Revision Note

Lára Marie McIvor

Written by: Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewed by: Lucy Kirkham

Updated on

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

  • 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

  • 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

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Lára Marie McIvor

    Author: Lára Marie McIvor

    Expertise: Biology 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.

    Lucy Kirkham

    Author: Lucy Kirkham

    Expertise: Head of STEM

    Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels.Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all.