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
Government jobs continue to be one of the most popular employment options in India because of their job security, regular salary, pension benefits, and promotion prospects. However, one of the most frequent doubts of aspirants is age eligibility. Countless candidates are discouraged from applying for Government positions – or even from preparing for them – … Read more
Read MoreAfter preparation for NEET and JEE, students inclined towards studying under state education boards find themselves a step behind the CBSE students. The syllabus, question pattern and level of idea of these national entrance exams varies widely from most state board syllabus. But with the correct approach, students taking the state board can hold their … Read more
Read MoreInterest is one of the most significant ideas in maths and financial calculations. It is very common in banking, loan applications, investments, saving account and competitive exams. Simple Interest and Compound Interest make it easier to find out how much more is earned and/or paid on a principal during the period of time. These Interest … Read more
Read MoreIn 2026, students, professionals, and job seekers must have a high level of spoken English. Spoken English is a beginner level course to enhance learners’ communication skills in English, their pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar structure and confidence in speaking English fluently. Today, the emphasis of spoken English courses is placed on actual conversations, everyday speech practice … Read more
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