Mechanical and Chemical Digestions

Mechanical Digestion

Chemical Digestion

Physical Digestion

Biological Digestion

They cut food into pieces

They churn food into smaller pieces

They absorb nutrients

They release enzymes

Mechanical changes involve physical actions

Chemical changes involve enzymatic reactions

Both types of changes are essential for digestion

Mechanical Action

Chemical Action

Physical Action

Biological Action

To begin chemical digestion

To create chyme

To absorb nutrients

To store food

Creates a highly acidic environment

Begins the chemical breakdown of proteins

Unfolds large protein molecules

Carbohydrates - Simple Sugars

Proteins - Amino Acids

Fats - Fatty Acids and Glycerol

All of the above

Glucose, Amino Acids, Fatty Acids & Glycerol

Starch, Peptides, Triglycerides

Sucrose, Polypeptides, Cholesterol

Fructose, Nucleotides, Glycerol

It slows down the chemical reaction

It allows for faster chemical reactions

It has no effect on digestion

It makes digestion more complex