Module 1: Organisms, Nutrients and Digestion

XSIQ
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Biology - Mechanical digestion

Mechanical digestion

Digestion is of two types:

* Mechanical (physical) digestion;

* Chemical digestion.

Mechanical digestion involves the breakdown of food into smaller
particles, increasing the surface area of the food. No change occurs in
this process.

Cutting a piece of food into smaller pieces with a knife has a similar
effect. This action greatly increases the surface area of the food. When
food is chewed, teeth mechanically break the food down into small chunks.

The teeth grind food into small pieces. This is an example of mechanical
digestion.