The duodenum of a person was surgically removed. Which of the following substances would have their digestion affected?
Answer Details
The digestion of starch, protein, and lipids would be affected if the duodenum of a person was surgically removed. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine, where digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver are mixed with partially digested food from the stomach. The enzymes in the duodenum help break down starch into smaller sugar molecules, protein into amino acids, and lipids into fatty acids and glycerol. If the duodenum is removed, the digestive enzymes and bile will not mix with the food, and the digestion of these substances will be impaired. Therefore, the person may have difficulty digesting starch, protein, and lipids, leading to malabsorption and other digestive problems.