Answer:
The digestive system breaks down macromolecules into molecules that the body can use through a process involving several organs and enzymes. The breakdown begins in the mouth, where mechanical digestion breaks food into smaller pieces, and salivary amylase initiates the breakdown of carbohydrates. In the stomach, gastric juices, including hydrochloric acid and pepsin, break down proteins into amino acids. The majority of digestion takes place in the small intestine, where pancreatic enzymes like amylase, lipase, and proteases further break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, respectively. Bile, produced by the liver, aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. The final breakdown products, such as monosaccharides, fatty acids, glycerol, and amino acids, are absorbed by the enterocytes in the small intestine lining. These molecules are then transported via the bloodstream to cells throughout the body, where they are utilized for energy production, growth, and repair.
Sources:
- Tortora, G. J., Derrickson, B., & Grabowski, S. R. (2017). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. Wiley.
- Martini, F. H., Nath, J. L., & Bartholomew, E. F. (2017). Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology. Pearson.
Step-by-step explanation: