Question

1) Compare and contrast chemical and mechanical digestion (consider purpose, location, materials needed). Be sure to give examples of each.

Answer 1

Mechanical Digestion	Chemical Digestion
This refers to the breakdown of food into digestible particles mainly by the teeth. Primarily done by the teeth.	This refers to the process by which compounds with a high molecular weight in the food are broken down into simpler substances that can be absorbed by the body. Done by enzymes.
It occurs from the mouth to the stomach	Occurs from the mouth to the intestine
A major part of mechanical digestion occurs in the mouth	A major part of chemical digestion occurs in the stomach
Teeth physically break down the food	Enzymatic break down of food occurs
Increases the surface area for the enzymatic reactions in the chemical digestion	Enhances the absorption of the nutrients by breaking them down into smaller molecules
Eg. Chewing on a chunk of ham and breaking it into smaller bits in the mouth	Various digestive enzymes acting on the pieces of ham and breaking it down into proteins, carbohydrates and fatty acids.