Chemical Change in Digestion
Digestion processes make it possible for the cells and tissues of the body to receive needed nutrients. A series of chemical changes takes place as food moves through the body. These changes take place in different areas of the body and are regulated by chemical enzymes that convert foods into usable forms.
-
Digestion
-
For the body to be able to use the nutrients contained in food, digestive processes work to convert food into basic molecule forms, according to the MicroNutra Health Journal. Once this conversion process is complete, the body is able to absorb available nutrients. This conversion process happens in steps that start in the mouth and continue inside the stomach, small intestines and large intestines. By the time food reaches the small intestines, it's in a state where the intestines can absorb available nutrients into the bloodstream and lymphatic systems.
Function
-
In its original state, food is made up of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, which are considered complex molecules, according to the MicroNutra Health Journal. Accessory organs--the liver, pancreas, gall bladder and salivary glands--provide the digestive enzymes needed to break down complex molecules into smaller, usable forms. Through the combined actions of enzymes and water, complex molecules are stripped down to their most basic components. Each enzyme type is designed to break down a specific type of food material. In effect, chemical changes take place within the digestive tract as well as within individual cell metabolism processes.
-
Mechanical Digestion
-
Mechanical digestion plays an essential role in preparing food materials for the chemical changes brought about by enzymes, according to according to the MicroNutra Health Journal. Mechanical digestion begins in the mouth as the teeth work to break up food materials. This is the first step in the digestion process. Mechanical activities also take place in the stomach, small intestines and large intestines. These activities involve a process called peristalsis, where the smooth muscles in these organs perform rhythmic contractions that work to move food through the digestive system.
Enzymes
-
Digestive enzymes are the chemical catalysts that make the digestion of food possible, according to MicroNutra Health Journal. As each enzyme reacts with its own assigned material, these chemicals regulate how quickly food materials break down in the digestive tract. The enzymes responsible for chemical changes are nuclease, lipase, trypsin, chymotrypsin, protease, amylase and collagenase. Each one has an assigned role and place within the digestion process. Digestive problems can develop when any one of these chemicals is lacking or in excess.
Considerations
-
Proper digestion of food materials requires a coordinated effort between mechanical and chemical processes, enzyme output and the accessory organs that secrete enzyme chemicals, according to the MicroNutra Health Journal. Mechanical processes work to break food down into small portions, which enables enzymes to carry out the chemical changes necessary for nutrient usage. If one or more of the accessory organs is functioning poorly, certain foods may not be fully digested. This problem can result in vitamin, mineral or nutrient deficiencies depending on the organ affected.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Food image by robootb from Fotolia.com
