metabolism
The process you are referring to is called metabolism. During metabolism, nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are broken down into smaller molecules that can be used by the body to produce energy. This process occurs in cells and is essential for maintaining the body's functions.
Digesting a candy bar involves both physical and chemical processes. Initially, the physical process of chewing breaks down the candy bar into smaller pieces, increasing its surface area for enzyme action. Then, chemical processes such as enzyme reactions in the digestive system help break down the candy bar further into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body.
We call the chemical that breaks down large molecules of food into smaller molecules "enzymes." Enzymes play a crucial role in the digestion process by catalyzing the breakdown of macromolecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into smaller units that can be absorbed by the body for energy and nutrients.
When a mineral breaks down and releases energy, it is known as a chemical reaction or a chemical process. This process may involve the release of heat, light, or other forms of energy as bonds are broken and new substances are formed.
Rubber can be broken down through a process called oxidation, where oxygen reacts with the rubber molecules and causes them to break apart.
When your body breaks down food into nutrients, chemical digestion is taking place. In contrast, physical digestion breaks down food mechanically into smaller particles.
The process you are referring to is called metabolism. During metabolism, nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are broken down into smaller molecules that can be used by the body to produce energy. This process occurs in cells and is essential for maintaining the body's functions.
In metabolism, the catabolic process involves breaking down nutrients. More specifically, the Krebs Cycle breaks down the nutrients.
Chemical Weathering
Your stomach
weathering
The type of chemical reaction that breaks down nutrients and stores their energy as ATP is called cellular respiration. This process occurs in the presence of oxygen and involves a series of reactions, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Through these reactions, the energy released from the breakdown of nutrients is used to produce ATP, the primary energy currency in cells.
Mechanical digestion. The actual grinding and physical breaking down of food. Chemical digestion breaks down food using chemicals/enyzyms and chemical reactions.
Bacteria break down the cellulose and lignin present in leaves and twigs through a process called decomposition. They secrete enzymes that help in this breakdown, releasing nutrients that can be used by other organisms. This helps in returning essential nutrients back to the soil, completing the recycling process.
The process is respiration (cellular respiration). It breaks down the compounds called carbohydrates to release the energy stored there (which almost always originally came from photosynthesis).
The process by which organic matter breaks down to become part of the soil is called decomposition. Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi break down organic matter into simpler compounds through chemical reactions. These compounds then become part of the soil, enriching it with nutrients that support plant growth.
Digesting a candy bar involves both physical and chemical processes. Initially, the physical process of chewing breaks down the candy bar into smaller pieces, increasing its surface area for enzyme action. Then, chemical processes such as enzyme reactions in the digestive system help break down the candy bar further into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body.