Question
Digestion that takes place outside of the cell.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Digestion that takes place outside of the cell is known as **extracellular digestion**. This process involves the breakdown of food substances outside the cells, usually in a digestive system or cavity, before the smaller, absorbable molecules are taken up by the cells.
In animals, extracellular digestion typically occurs in the gastrointestinal tract where enzymes secreted by glands break down food into smaller molecules that can then be absorbed. For example, in humans, saliva contains enzymes that begin the digestion of carbohydrates, and further digestion occurs in the stomach and intestines through the action of various enzymes and acids.
In contrast, **intracellular digestion** occurs within the cells, where cells engulf food particles through processes like phagocytosis or pinocytosis, and then break them down using lysosomes.
Extracellular digestion is a key feature of many multicellular organisms, allowing them to process larger food items and efficiently absorb nutrients.
In animals, extracellular digestion typically occurs in the gastrointestinal tract where enzymes secreted by glands break down food into smaller molecules that can then be absorbed. For example, in humans, saliva contains enzymes that begin the digestion of carbohydrates, and further digestion occurs in the stomach and intestines through the action of various enzymes and acids.
In contrast, **intracellular digestion** occurs within the cells, where cells engulf food particles through processes like phagocytosis or pinocytosis, and then break them down using lysosomes.
Extracellular digestion is a key feature of many multicellular organisms, allowing them to process larger food items and efficiently absorb nutrients.