CAIE IGCSE Biology 7.4.6 Digestion of Starch
Practise tracing starch digestion from amylase forming maltose to maltase on the small-intestine epithelium producing glucose for absorption.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Biology 0610
Exam points
- describe amylase digesting starch to maltose in the mouth, pancreas pathway or small intestine
- state that maltase on the small-intestine epithelial membrane converts maltose to glucose
- interpret maltose or carbohydrate data to identify maltase action and glucose formation
7.4.6—Digestion of starch in the digestive question 1
[Maximum number: 6]
Starch and sucrose are made by plants after photosynthesis.
Describe how starch is broken down in the human digestive system so that it can be absorbed into the blood.
any six from:
1 (starch is broken down by) physical / mechanical, digestion ;
2 (physical digestion / AW) uses teeth / occurs in the, mouth / (involves churning) in stomach ;
3 (physical digestion) increases surface area (for faster enzyme activity) ;
4 chemical digestion / break down (of insoluble molecules) into (smaller) soluble molecules (by enzymes) ;
5 salivary glands / pancreas, secrete / make, amylase ;
6 amylase (breaks down) starch to maltose ;
7 maltase is found on epithelium (lining) of, small intestine / duodenum / ileum ;
8 (maltase) breaks down maltose to glucose ;
9 (optimum) pH for, amylase / maltase / carbohydrase is, neutral / 7/8 ;
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