Digestion
Definition
In the context of chemistry, digestion refers to the process by which a substance is broken down into simpler substances or elements.
Analogy
Think of digestion like a paper shredder. You put in whole sheets of paper (complex substances), and the shredder breaks them down into tiny pieces (simpler substances).
Related terms
Enzymes: These are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions, such as those involved in digestion.
Hydrolysis: This is a type of chemical reaction where water is used to break down a compound.
Metabolism: This term refers to all the chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life, including digestion.
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