What substance aids in digestion and is a common form of sugar?

Sucrose is a disaccharide sugar that is commonly found in many plants, particularly in sugar cane and sugar beets, and it plays a significant role in digestion. When consumed, sucrose is broken down by the enzyme sucrase into its constituent monosaccharides, glucose and fructose. This process makes the sugars available for absorption in the small intestine, where they can be used by the body for energy.

In terms of its role in digestion, sucrose not only provides a readily available source of carbohydrates but also stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes that further aid in the breakdown of food. It can be found in various foods, including table sugar and many processed foods. Understanding the role of sucrose helps in recognizing how carbohydrates are integrated into the overall digestive process.