Question

Most food molecules are large polymers, too large to cross cell membranes. How are these broken down?

Answer 1

Digestive enzymes break down large food molecules into smaller subunits called monomers through hydrolysis. These monomers are then taken up by cells and utilized.

Step-by-step explanation:

When we eat, digestive enzymes in our gut catalyze the hydrolysis of the large food molecules into smaller subunits called monomers. Digestive enzymes break down large food molecules into smaller subunits called monomers through hydrolysis. These monomers are then taken up by cells and utilized. This hydrolysis process involves adding a water molecule across the bonds linking the monomers in the polymer.

Once the monomers are broken down, our cells can take them up and use them. Additionally, triglycerides (fats) and phospholipids are also broken down by hydrolysis and synthesized in condensation reactions. Triglycerides are energy-rich molecules, while phospholipids are important for cellular membrane structure.