# Describe how physical digestion occurs in the mouth and explain how this process increases the effectiveness of chemical digestion.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 7.3 Mechanical digestion · Describe and Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Incisors and/or canines bite and cut food into smaller pieces
2. Molars (and premolars) chew and grind food into smaller pieces
3. Physical digestion increases the surface area of food
4. A greater surface area allows enzymes to act more quickly / efficiently on the food during chemical digestion

## Key terms

- [physical digestion](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/physical-digestion)
- [chemical digestion](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/chemical-digestion)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-physical-digestion-occurs-in-5f9c0081) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.