Question

Differentiate extra-cellular digestion from intra-cellular digestion. Which one is an advanced form?

Answer 1

Digestion is a process in which food substances are broken down from complex form to simple absorbable form. It is of two types:- extracellular and intracellular.

Intracellular digestion - It takes place within the food vacuole of cell. Digestive enzymes that help in digestion are secreted by the surrounding cytoplasm into the food vacuole and digestive products are diffused into the cytoplasm. It is less efficient method and occurs in unicellular organisms.

Extracellular digestion - It takes place outside the cell in the cavity of alimentary canal where digestive enzymes are secreted by the special cells. End products of digestion diffuses across the intestinal wall into the different parts of the body. It is more efficient and advanced form of digestion occurs in multicellular organisms.