Which organic compounds undergo partial chemical digestion in the human mouth?

• A. Carbohydrates
• B. Nucleic acids
• C. Lipids
• D. Proteins

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the human mouth in digestion: The mouth is the first site of digestion, where both mechanical and chemical digestion occur. Saliva contains enzymes that initiate the breakdown of certain organic compounds.
2. Identify the enzyme present in saliva: Saliva contains an enzyme called amylase (specifically salivary amylase), which is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars.
3. Determine which organic compounds are affected by salivary enzymes: Salivary amylase specifically targets carbohydrates. Other organic compounds, such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins, do not undergo chemical digestion in the mouth because there are no enzymes in saliva that act on them.
4. Clarify the role of mechanical digestion: While chemical digestion in the mouth is limited to carbohydrates, mechanical digestion (chewing) breaks down all types of food into smaller pieces, making them easier to digest later in the digestive system.
5. Conclude that carbohydrates are the only organic compounds undergoing partial chemical digestion in the human mouth due to the presence of salivary amylase.