Final answer:
The statement is true; spider venom does contain enzymes to initiate the breakdown of their prey's tissue, facilitating external digestion before ingestion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Spider venom contains enzymes to initiate the digestion of their prey" is true. Spiders inject venom, which contains powerful enzymes, into their prey. These enzymes break down the internal tissues of the prey, turning them into a liquid that the spider can then suck up. This precursory digestion process is crucial as spiders cannot chew; they can only ingest liquids.
In the context of general digestion, enzymes play an essential role in breaking down food into absorbable nutrients. For example, amylase in the mouth starts carbohydrate digestion, whereas trypsin and lipase in the stomach work on proteins. Similarly, bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, is secreted into the small intestine to emulsify fats.