3.6 how the digestive system works Flashcards
(10 cards)
What does digestion involve?
It involves the breakdown of large insoluble molecules into soluble substances that can be absorbed into the blood across the wall of the small intestine
How are digestive enzymes produced?
They are produced by specialised cells in glands and in the lining of the digestive system
What do carbohydrases such as amylase do?
Catalyse the breakdown of carbohydrates to simple sugars
What do proteases do?
They catalyse the breakdown of proteins to amino acids
What do lipases do?
Catalyse the breakdown of lipids to fatty acids and glycerol
What are carbohydrases?
Enzymes that speed up the breakdown of carbohydrate to simple sugars
What are amylase?
Enzymes that speed up the digestion of starch into sugars
What are protease?
Enzymes that speed up the breakdown of proteins into amino acids
What are amino acids?
The building blocks of protein
What is lipase?
Enzymes that speed up the breakdown of lipids into fatty acids and glycerol
