Final answer:
The small intestine secretes enzymes that break down disaccharides into monosaccharides during chemical digestion. Sucrase breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose, while lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose. These enzymes allow the small intestine to absorb the simple sugars.
Step-by-step explanation:
The small intestine secretes a variety of enzymes that help break down disaccharides into monosaccharides during chemical digestion. One of these enzymes is sucrase, which breaks down the disaccharide sucrose into glucose and fructose.
Another enzyme is lactase, which breaks down the disaccharide lactose into glucose and galactose. These enzymes are necessary for the small intestine to absorb the simple sugars.