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Why the Digestion of Starch & Glucose Is Necessary

Our body breaks down complex food molecules into smaller and simpler molecules so they can easily be absorbed into our system. The most important end product of digestion and absorption is glucose since it is the primary fuel of the body. Starch, which is a complex carbohydrate, is also broken down to glucose to provide energy and perform many other functions.

  1. Digestion of Starch

    • Each organ of the digestive tract performs a number of actions to break down starch into glucose molecules. First it undergoes a series of chemical and physical reactions in the mouth (with the help of the enzyme ptylin) before being swallowed down to the stomach. The stomach, which produces various acids and juices, breaks it down further and converts it into chyme. The chyme is pushed into the small intestine and pancreas where the enzyme amylase acts on it and converts it into simple glucose molecules.

    Energy Production

    • Our blood continously circulates glucose throughout the body.

      Glucose is the primary fuel for our cells. The blood circulates glucose to the cells continuously so they break it down and release energy. The central nervous system particularly needs a minute-to-minute supple of glucose from blood, since the brain does not store glucose in any form. To maintain the body processes efficiently, the blood glucose levels at any time should range between 70 to 120 milligrams per deciliter.

    Energy Storage

    • Excess glucose is stored in the liver as glycogen for later use by a process known as glycogenesis. Glycogen is also stored in the heart muscle to be used in an emergency for energy production. Excess glucose is also converted to fat and stored in the adipose tissues through lipogenesis. This stored fat is later to be used for less-rapid use.

    Glucose Products

    • Glucose is needed for DNA production.

      We also need small amounts of glucose for significant roles in the metabolism. Our DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) are synthesized with the help of glucose. Antigens, responsible for various blood groups, are also made from glucose (glycoproteins). Nursing mothers also need excess glucose to produce lactose. Non-essential amino acids required for metabolism also derive their structures from glucose and its metabolites.

    Warning

    • Blood glucose levels should be monitored frequently to prevent and control diabetes, which affects 7.8 percent of the population. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to cardiovascular diseases, coma and even death.

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