# Explain why large food molecules must be broken down before they can be absorbed into the blood.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 1.3.2 Digestion and absorption · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Large molecules cannot pass through the wall of the small intestine / gut wall
2. Digestion breaks large, insoluble molecules into smaller, soluble molecules
3. Small / soluble molecules can pass through the wall of the small intestine into the blood
4. Named example of a large molecule broken down to a named smaller molecule (e.g. starch broken down to glucose / proteins broken down to amino acids / fats broken down to fatty acids and glycerol)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](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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