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Introduction

Picture 1. Your digestive system has to cope with a whole range of foods.

Digestion means breaking down insoluble food into small soluble molecules which can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Once it has been absorbed, food can be used to do the things needed to keep the body going. Carbohydrates supply energy for the process of cellular respiration, proteins are the building blocks for the growth and repair of tissues while fats make a good energy store. Without the process of digestion, these nutrients would remain locked in food and unavailable to the body.

Contents
	There are 8 pages in this electronic resource (e-source): What's in food? Why digest? Major food groups Micronutrients Stages in digestion The digestive system Digestive disorders and their treatment Quiz
Using this e-source
	There are a number of interactive features in this e-source: A glossary of terms: any word with a glossary entry is highlighted like that. Clicking on the word will open a new window with a definition of that word. Quick questions: at the end of e-source, there is a set of quick questions to test your understanding of the scientific ideas. Animations: most of the animations can be expanded to full screen size, ideal for showing on an interactive whiteboard. The animations will play all the way through or can be viewed one section at a time. Downloads: Teachers can download individual diagrams, animations and other content from the Resource Library area of the website. Terms and Conditions apply. Last updated March 2004.