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Generally it means breaking a larger molecule into smaller parts. That can be done by means of injecting energy into the molecule such that it breaks apart, or by introducing other molecules, ions, or atoms into the structure.
Energy could be thermal, you heat the chemical until it decomposes. It could be light such as UV, which is high energy and breaks chemical bonds between atoms, thus changing or breaking apart the molecule. It could be any part of the electromagnetic spectrum from gamma rays to radio waves, they are all energy.
The chemical could be exposed to ions from an acid or base - the ion attacks some of the chemical bonds in the molecule and breaks them. It could be exposed to a reactive molecule such as oxygen, which oxidizes the chemical (think iron to rust), thus causing breakdown.
Wiki User
∙ 16y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoThis usually means a decomposition reaction, which is one of the 5 main reaction types. Typically in a decomp reaction you have more products than reactants, often one reactant and two or more products. An example is the decomposition of carbonic acid into water and carbon dioxide: H2CO3 --> H2O + CO2.
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What process uses enzymes to breakdown large molecules to smaller absorbable molecules?
chemical digestion
Definition of neutral chemical?
The definition of a neutral chemical is an aqueous solution with a pH of 7.0 ([H+] = 1.0 x 10-7 M)
What is the definition of chemotropism and what exhibits it?
Movement or growth of an organism or part of an organism in response to a chemical stimulus.
Can compounds be broken up?
By definition, a compound can, somehow, be broken down into its elements. Whether this process is easy depends on the strength of the chemical bonds in the compound and the definition of "easy"!
Under what conditions does an oxidizing agent donate electrons?
by definition, a chemical behaves as an oxidizing agent only when it accepts electrons
How does mechanical breakdown helps chemical breakdown?
Mechanical breakdown helps chemical breakdown because when you chew, chemical breakdown is going on all at the same time. So, that is going to chemical because if you didn't have saliva (chemical breakdown) if would take real long to digest your food.
How does mechanical breakdown affect chemical breakdown?
Mechanical breakdown makes food smaller so it wasn't be so large for the chemical breakdown.
Is the gallbladder chemical or mechanical breakdown?
Since there is no machinery in the body, it is a chemical breakdown.
What is Chemical Breakdown?
Chemical Breakdown is the digestion of food being broken down by bones and physically.
Does mechanical breakdown increase speed of chemical breakdown?
Yes, mechanical breakdown increases the surface area available for chemical reactions to occur on and therefore the speed of the chemical processes.
Which chemical reactions would be needed to convert a polypeptide into small subunits?
Proteolysis is a chemical reaction that would be needed to convert a polypeptide into small sub-units. By definition, proteolysis is the breakdown of proteins into smaller polypeptides or amino acids. The breakdown occurs through a process called hydrolysis in which the chemical bonds are separated by the addition of water.
Why is it necessary to have chemical breakdown?
no
Does your pancreas use chemical or mechanical breakdown?
Chemical
What is the name of the chemical breakdown of rocks?
Chemical weathering.
What scientific name is given to chemical breakdown?
what sort of scientific word ending in sis is given to chemical breakdown
What digestive system experiences chemical breakdown?
The digestive system that experiences chemical breakdown is the Gastro intestinal. Chemical matter is then moved on through the small intestines.
What waste chemical comes from the breakdown of proteins?
Breakdown of proteins produce aminoacids.
