Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology - Chapter Digestion and Absorption. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 9: . With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.
How are polysaccharides and disaccharides digested?
The digestion of carbohydrates starts in the mouth and completes in the small intestine region of the alimentary canal. The enzymes that act on carbohydrates are collectively known as carbohydrases.
Digestion in the mouth:
As food enters the mouth, it gets mixed with saliva. Saliva – secreted by the salivary glands – contains a digestive enzyme called salivary amylase; also called as Ptyalin. This enzyme breaks down starch into sugar at pH 6.8.
Starch
Maltose + Isomaltose + Limit dextrins
Salivary amylase continues to act in the oesophagus, but its action stops in the stomach as the contents become acidic. Hence, carbohydrate-digestion stops in the stomach.
Digestion in the small intestine:
Carbohydrate-digestion is resumed in the small intestine. Here, the food gets mixed with the pancreatic juice and the intestinal juice. Pancreatic juice contains the pancreatic amylase that hydrolyses the polysaccharides into disaccharides.
Starch
Disaccharides
(Polysaccharides)
Similarly, the intestinal juice contains a variety of enzymes (disaccharidases such as maltase, lactase, sucrase, etc.). These disaccharidases help in the digestion of disaccharides. The digestion of carbohydrates is completed in the small intestine.
Maltose
2Glucose
Lactose
Glucose + Galactose
Sucrose 
Glucose + Fructose
NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:
Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips
Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) are more than quick updates on marks — they’re a chance to build a real partnership between home and school. A good Parent-Teacher Meeting conversation helps parents see beyond grades. It opens up insights about a child’s strengths, struggles, emotions and even hidden talents. When parents participate actively, they don’t just track […]
Read MoreIn today’s world of endless information , knowing how to think is more important than knowing what to think . From school projects to real – life decisions , critical thinking helps students question ideas , analyze facts and form logical conclusions . But what exactly does critical thinking mean ? Simply put , it’s […]
Read MoreEvery student dreams of better grades , stronger focus and more study time – but the real challenge isn’t starting, it’s staying consistent . Building productive study habits is not about studying all day , it’s about studying smart . In today’s fast – paced digital world, distractions are everywhere – from endless phone notifications […]
Read MoreOnline gaming has rapidly become one of the most popular pastimes among children. Whether it’s multiplayer mobile games , PC adventures or console challenges , kids are spending more time than ever in the virtual world . On the surface, gaming seems entertaining and even educational – improving hand- eye coordination , teamwork and problem […]
Read MoreWelcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 9: How are polysaccharides and disaccharides digested?....
Comments
cool
Thanks