2006-07-21 10:55:40 · 7 answers · asked by zpb52 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
This is because the outside of the kernels consists of Cellulose. Cellulose monomers (β-glucose) are linked together through ß1→4 glycosidic bonds by condensation. This is in contrast to the α 1->4 glycosidic bonds present in other carbohydrates like starch. In fact, the ability to breakdown cellulose is possessed only by certain bacteria like cellulomonas etc which are often the flora on the gut walls of rumminants like cows. Cellulose is not digestible by humans, and is often referred to as 'dietary fiber' or 'roughage'. We can only digest α-glycosidic bonds. The inside of the kernel is therefore able to be digested and the outside consisting of Cellulose is not.
2006-07-21 21:59:44 · answer #1 · answered by Neil 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The acids in our stomach cannot penetrate the shell of the kernel.
2006-07-21 10:57:38 · answer #2 · answered by Starlight 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we digest the inside of the kernal, but the skin it too tough. It dosent have anything we need in it
2006-07-21 10:57:57 · answer #3 · answered by parental unit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you do digest the inside but not the husk which is fiber. It looks whole because it's full of poop.
2006-07-21 11:28:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is because Humans don't have the enzymes for it and everything that has cellulose (vegetables and fruits)
2006-07-21 11:03:19 · answer #5 · answered by Snow surfer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey .. dogs cant digest it either .. found that out yesterday !
2006-07-21 10:59:08 · answer #6 · answered by pab7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to chew your food well, the way your mama told you to.
2006-07-21 11:00:29 · answer #7 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋