Concept:
Chemical digestion in humans begins in the mouth with the action of enzymes present in saliva.
• Saliva contains the enzyme salivary amylase (ptyalin).
• This enzyme breaks down starch (a complex carbohydrate) into simpler sugars like maltose.
• Other food components such as proteins and fats are digested later in the stomach and intestine.
Step 1: Identify where digestion begins.
Chemical digestion starts in the mouth during mastication (chewing).
Step 2: Determine which nutrient is digested first.
Salivary amylase acts specifically on starch, initiating its digestion.
Step 3: Analyze other options.
• (A) Proteins: Digestion begins in stomach by pepsin
• (B) Starch: Digestion begins in mouth (correct)
• (C) Lipids: Digestion mainly in small intestine
• (D) Cellulose: Not digested in humans
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, starch is the first food component to undergo chemical digestion.
Final Answer: Option (B)