Answer to Question #92889 in Biology for Amy

Question

Describe the functions of the digestive system to digest and absorb foods.

Answer 1

The two main functions of the digestive system comprise digestion and absorption. The process of food digestion is the breakdown of food components into small molecules. These molecules are further absorbed by the intestinal cells and are transported in the blood to all parts of the organism. The digestive system produces specific enzymes that break down food components. For example, pepsin produced in the stomach breaks down proteins into peptides that are further hydrolyzed to amino acids with other proteases (i.e., trypsin) in the intestine. These amino acids are transported into enterocytes by specific protein transporters present in the cell membrane.