What is the process called by which food is broken down into smaller molecules?

The process by which food is broken down into smaller molecules is called digestion. Digestion involves both mechanical and chemical processes that begin in the mouth and continue in the stomach and intestines. Mechanical breakdown involves actions like chewing, which physically reduces the size of food particles, while chemical digestion involves enzymes and acids that further break down food components such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into smaller, absorbable units like sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids.

This process is crucial for nutrition because it allows the body to extract essential nutrients from food, which can then be absorbed and utilized by cells for energy, growth, and repair. Understanding digestion is foundational in food science as it affects how nutrients are processed and the overall quality of food products.