# Explain why the digestion of starch is necessary before it can be absorbed into the blood.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.3.3 Digestion and Absorption · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Starch is a large / insoluble molecule (that cannot pass through the wall of the small intestine / gut wall)
2. Starch must be broken down / digested into glucose (by amylase / enzymes)
3. Glucose is a small / soluble molecule
4. Glucose can pass through the wall of the small intestine into the blood (by diffusion / active transport)
5. Glucose is transported in the blood to cells / used for respiration

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](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-why-the-digestion-of-starch-1ac278d7) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.