CHEMICAL DIGESTION Meaning and
Definition
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Chemical digestion refers to the process of breaking down complex food substances into simpler molecules by the action of various digestive enzymes and other chemicals. It is a crucial component of the overall process of digestion, which enables the body to absorb essential nutrients for growth, energy, and other bodily functions.
During chemical digestion, complex food molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, are broken down into simpler forms that can be easily absorbed by the body. This process begins in the mouth, where saliva containing the enzyme amylase breaks down carbohydrates, initiating the breakdown process. Once the food reaches the stomach, gastric juices, including hydrochloric acid and enzymes like pepsin, further break down proteins into smaller peptides.
The majority of chemical digestion occurs in the small intestine. Here, pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase, lipase, and trypsin, and bile from the liver, help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into smaller molecules, such as glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids, respectively. These smaller molecules can then be absorbed by the small intestine's specialized cells and enter the bloodstream for distribution to the body's various tissues.
Ultimately, chemical digestion is essential to convert complex food molecules into their simplest forms to facilitate proper absorption and utilization by the body. This process ensures that the nutrients obtained from the food we consume can be efficiently utilized for growth, energy production, and overall bodily functions.
Common Misspellings for CHEMICAL DIGESTION
- xhemical digestion
- vhemical digestion
- fhemical digestion
- dhemical digestion
- cgemical digestion
- cbemical digestion
- cnemical digestion
- cjemical digestion
- cuemical digestion
- cyemical digestion
- chwmical digestion
- chsmical digestion
- chdmical digestion
- chrmical digestion
- ch4mical digestion
- ch3mical digestion
- chenical digestion
- chekical digestion
- chejical digestion
- chemucal digestion
Etymology of CHEMICAL DIGESTION
The word "chemical digestion" is composed of two parts: "chemical" and "digestion".
The term "chemical" comes from the Latin word "chimicus", which originates from the Greek word "khēmeía". In Ancient Greek, "khēmeía" referred to alchemy, the practice of transforming base metals into noble metals. Over time, "chimicus" evolved to mean the study of natural substances and their properties.
The word "digestion" comes from the Latin word "digestio", which derives from the verb "digestus". "Digestus" is the past participle of the Latin verb "digero", meaning "to separate, dissolve, or distribute". In Latin, "digestio" primarily referred to the process of breaking down food in the body.
Similar spelling words for CHEMICAL DIGESTION
- chemical property,
- chemical process,
- chemical weapon,
- chemical action,
- chemical phenomenon,
- chemical operations,
- chemical element,
- chemical mechanism,
- chemical engineering,
- chemical analysis,
- chemical attraction,
- chemical industry,
- chemical energy,
- chemical balance,
- chemical change,
- chemical science,
- chemical warfare,
- chemical notation,
- chemical reaction,
- chemical defense,
- chemical terrorism,
- chemical irritant,
- Chemical Defence,
- chemical diabetes,
- chemical compound.
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