1,362
edits
Changes
Small Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 16:32, 23 July 2008
, 16:32, 23 July 2008→Carbohydrate Digestion and Absorption
*The main soluble carbohdrates found in food are starch, found mainly in plants, and glycogen, found mainly in animal meat.
*The main soluble carbohdrates found in food are starch, found mainly in plants, and glycogen, found mainly in animal meat.
**There are two types of starch, ''amylose'' which has α1-4 glycosidic links and, ''amylopectin'' which has α1-4 glycosidic links and α1-6 glycosidic links making it branched (branches every glucose 25 residues).
**There are two types of starch, ''amylose'' which has α1-4 glycosidic links and, ''amylopectin'' which has α1-4 glycosidic links and α1-6 glycosidic links making it branched (branches every glucose 25 residues).
**''Glycogen'' is synthesised in the liver and muscle and is similar to amylopectin as it has both α1-4 glycosidic links and α1-6 glycosidic links. However it is more highly branched with shorter branches (branches every 12-18 glucose residues).
**''Glycogen'' is synthesised in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] and [[Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology|muscle]] and is similar to amylopectin as it has both α1-4 glycosidic links and α1-6 glycosidic links. However it is more highly branched with shorter branches (branches every 12-18 glucose residues).
*The '''first stage''' of carbohydrate digestion begins with α-amylase, which is an endoglycosidase. ''(This means it breaks bonds in the middle of the polymer to produce di-, tri- and oligo-saccarides).''
*The '''first stage''' of carbohydrate digestion begins with α-amylase, which is an endoglycosidase. ''(This means it breaks bonds in the middle of the polymer to produce di-, tri- and oligo-saccarides).''
*α-Amylase is present in [[Oral Cavity - Salivary Glands - Anatomy & Physiology|saliva]]. Salivary α-amylase is inactivated when it enters the [[Forestomach - Anatomy & Physiology|stomach]] due to it's acidic pH.
*α-Amylase is present in [[Oral Cavity - Salivary Glands - Anatomy & Physiology|saliva]]. Salivary α-amylase is inactivated when it enters the [[Forestomach - Anatomy & Physiology|stomach]] due to it's acidic pH.