How is starch digested?

Starch is a polysaccharide- a chain of maltose sugars bonded with glycosidic bonds. Digestion begins in the mouth by the mechanical breakdown of starch as the teeth increase the surface area for enzyme action. The saliva also begins chemical digestion by containing amylase enzyme that hydrolyses some of the starch into maltose sugars. No digestion occurs in the stomach. In the small intestine membrane bound maltase enzymes allow maltose to diffuse into the cell where it is then hydrolysed into 2 glucose molecules.

Answered by Biology tutor

23352 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does DNA code for proteins?


How is an Action Potential transmitted across a synapse?


How are blood glucose levels regulated in humans?


How are proteins produced?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning