# Explain how physical digestion in the stomach helps chemical digestion to occur more efficiently.

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

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The muscular walls of the stomach contract to mix / churn / grind food into smaller pieces.
2. This increases the surface area of food (particles).
3. A greater surface area allows enzymes to act on / contact more of the food at once.
4. So chemical digestion / the rate of chemical digestion is faster / more efficient / more complete.

## Key terms

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

## Related

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

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-physical-digestion-in-the-6993d7ea) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.