Question

because the foods eaten by animals are often composed largely of macromolecules, they must be able to break down ingested substances into smaller molecules. what process achieves this goal?
○ mechanical digestion
○ absorption
○ peristalsis
○ emulsification
○ hydrolysis

Explanation:

1. Analyze each option:

• Mechanical digestion: Involves physical breakdown (e.g., chewing) but not into smaller molecules chemically.
• Absorption: Is the uptake of nutrients, not breakdown.
• Peristalsis: Is muscle movement to move food, not breakdown.
• Emulsification: Breaks fats into smaller droplets (physical), not into smaller molecules.
• Hydrolysis: Chemical reaction that breaks macromolecules into smaller units by adding water, matching the goal.

Answer:

E. hydrolysis