Digestion of Food Components

Starch, one of the main components of potatoes, is a complex carbohydrate that needs to be broken down into simpler sugars for absorption and utilization by the body. The digestion of food components involves several enzymes and processes. In the case of boiled potatoes, the correct statement regarding the digestion of food components is option 'D': DNA will be digested by pancreatic enzymes.

1. Starch Digestion:
Starch digestion begins in the mouth with the action of an enzyme called amylase, which is present in saliva. Amylase breaks down starch into smaller sugar molecules called maltose. However, the digestion of starch is not complete in the mouth.

2. Carbohydrate Digestion:
In the small intestine, the bulk of carbohydrate digestion occurs. The pancreas secretes enzymes like pancreatic amylase, which continues the breakdown of starch into smaller disaccharides like maltose, lactose, and sucrose. These disaccharides are further broken down into monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, and galactose) by specific enzymes called maltase, lactase, and sucrase, respectively.

3. Cellulose Digestion:
Cellulose, a type of dietary fiber found in plant cell walls, cannot be digested by human enzymes. Humans lack the enzyme cellulase, which is required to break down cellulose. Therefore, cellulose passes through the digestive system relatively intact and provides bulk to the stool.

4. DNA Digestion:
DNA, the genetic material found in cells, is not typically a major component of the human diet. However, if consumed, DNA can be partially digested by pancreatic enzymes called nucleases. Nucleases break down DNA into smaller fragments, which are further broken down by other enzymes into individual nucleotides.

In summary, when an adult person consumes boiled potato, starch will be digested by enzymes like amylase and pancreatic amylase, cellulose will not be digested due to the lack of cellulase, carbohydrates will be digested by specific enzymes like lactase, and DNA will be partially digested by pancreatic nucleases. Therefore, the correct statement is option 'D': DNA will be digested by pancreatic enzymes.