Carbohydrate Digestion
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Biology 3: Digestion, Evolution, Genetics
Summary
Understanding carbohydrate digestion and absorption is crucial for the MCAT, focusing on the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into monosaccharides for absorption.
- Digestion begins in the mouth with salivary amylase breaking down complex carbohydrates into smaller units.
- Pancreatic amylase continues the breakdown process in the GI tract, reducing carbohydrates to disaccharides.
- Brush border enzymes in the small intestine further digest disaccharides into monosaccharides, which are the only form that can be absorbed.
- Lactose intolerance is used as an example to illustrate the importance of enzyme activity in carbohydrate digestion, highlighting the inability to break down lactose into glucose and galactose for absorption.
- Key monosaccharides and disaccharides are identified, with emphasis on the necessity of memorizing these for the MCAT.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Carbohydrate Digestion
01:42
Absorption of Monosaccharides