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

23537 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe and explain the adaptions of the human alveoli in making gas exchange efficient


Could you explain the structure of the plasma membrane to me? (A level)


How do humans and other mammals keep homeostasis of their body temperature?


What is a pathogen and what role do they have in causing disease?


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