Question
In digestion, large molecules are broken down into smaller molecules. This breakdown is sped up by... fossil fuels. chloroplasts. enzymes. hydrocarbons. substrates.
Answer
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(214 Votes)
Urena
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
enzymes.
Explanation
The process of digestion involves the breakdown of larger molecules – formed as a result of the food individuals eat – into smaller molecules. This process is critical to the body, allowing it to absorb nutrients and discard waste. Certain external factors proving instrumental to variety of reactions taking place include enzymes, a type of specialized protein acting as biological catalyst, which subsequently speeds up these metabolic reactions. In the context of the multiple choice question and understanding the process of digestion, the following potential responses can be evaluated.A. Fossil fuels. This answer is incorrect as fossil fuels, largely utilized as energy source, are unrelated to the metabolic process of digestion. B. Chloroplasts. This option is similarly incorrect. Although these organelles, found within plants and some algae, assimilate sunlight into usable chemical energy during photosynthesis, they're not involved in human digestion.C. Enzymes.This is the right answer. Enzymes speed up biochemical reactions - they act as biological catalysts during digestion by breaking down dense, complex molecules into smaller, simpler ones that the body can more readily utilize.D. Hydrocarbons.They number into the thousands – consisting of chains, graphs, and innovative ring-shaped molecules made of carbon and hydrogen – but play no part in human digestive process. Hence, this option is not correct.E. Substrates.Though substrates refer to molecules on which an enzyme acts, the specific action of breaking down larger molecules to smaller ones in digestion solely corresponds to enzymes in this context. Hence, this option also is not correct.