Biochemistry: Digestion

Digestion

Introduction

The conversion of food into a form that can be absorbed by the body is called digestion. It describes how the body breaks down food and uses it for energy, cell repair and growth. It starts in the mouth, continues in the stomach and small intestine and is completed in the large intestine. The liver and pancreas add enzymes and juices that aid in this process. Carbohydrates are broken down to glucose, proteins to amino acids, fats to glycerol and fatty acids.