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Ch. 23 The Digestive System
Chapter 22, Problem 6

The digestive juice product containing enzymes capable of digesting all four major foodstuff categories is a. pancreatic, b. gastric, c. salivary, d. biliary.

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1
Identify the four major foodstuff categories: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Review the composition of each digestive juice option: pancreatic, gastric, salivary, and biliary juices.
Determine which digestive juice contains enzymes that can break down all four categories. For instance, pancreatic juice includes amylase for carbohydrates, lipase for lipids, proteases for proteins, and nucleases for nucleic acids.
Compare the enzyme content of the other digestive juices with pancreatic juice to see if any other juice matches the enzyme diversity found in pancreatic juice.
Conclude which digestive juice option is capable of digesting all four major foodstuff categories based on the presence of necessary enzymes.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are biological catalysts produced by the digestive system that facilitate the breakdown of food into smaller, absorbable components. They target specific macromolecules: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, ensuring that the body can utilize nutrients effectively.
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Enzymes

Pancreatic Juice

Pancreatic juice is a digestive fluid produced by the pancreas that contains a variety of enzymes, including amylase, lipase, and proteases. This juice is crucial for the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it capable of digesting all four major foodstuff categories.
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Digestive System Function

The digestive system is responsible for the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste. Each component, including the pancreas, stomach, and salivary glands, plays a specific role in this process, with pancreatic juice being particularly versatile in its enzymatic action.
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Functions of the Digestive System