Human Biochemistry, Volume 2 - Murray R. 1993

Special Topics
Nutrition, Digestion, and Absorption
Digestion

Most dietary nutrients enter the body in an unabsorbable form, as they cannot pass through the digestive tract until they are broken down into smaller molecules. This breakdown of natural food substances into assimilable forms constitutes the digestive process.

The chemical changes occurring during digestion are brought about by hydrolytic Enzymes of the digestive tract, which catalyze the Hydrolysis of native Proteins into Amino Acids, starch into Monosaccharides, and triacylglycerols into monoacylglycerols, glycerol, and Fatty acids. These processes also enhance the absorption of minerals and Vitamins present in food products.

The Nature and Functions of Gastrointestinal Hormones are discussed in detail in Chapter 52.



Last update: 06/08/2026

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