Fat digestion yields fatty acids and glycerol. Protein digestion yields amino acids. Both digestive processes a. occur inside cells in most animals. b. add a water molecule to break bonds. c. require a low pH resulting from HCl production. d. consume ATP.

Key Concepts

Enzymatic Digestion

Enzymatic digestion is the biochemical process where enzymes break down macromolecules like fats and proteins into their smaller building blocks, such as fatty acids, glycerol, and amino acids. This process occurs in the digestive system, primarily in the stomach and small intestine, and is essential for nutrient absorption.

Hydrolysis

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that involves the addition of water to break bonds in macromolecules. In the context of digestion, hydrolysis is crucial for converting complex molecules into simpler forms that can be easily absorbed by the body, such as breaking down triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol.

pH and Digestion

The pH level in the digestive system plays a significant role in enzymatic activity. For instance, the stomach has a low pH due to hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is necessary for activating digestive enzymes that break down proteins. A proper pH is essential for optimal enzyme function and effective digestion.