enzymes Flashcards
(5 cards)
what is mechanical digestion
Mechanical digestion is the physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces, starting with chewing in the mouth and continuing with churning and mixing in the stomach and small intestine
what is chemical digestion
Chemical digestion is the process where enzymes break down complex food molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into smaller, absorbable molecules,
What do enzymes do
Enzymes are proteins that help speed up chemical reactions in our bodies. Enzymes are essential for digestion, liver function and much more
Compare the digestive enzymes in different organisms
Different organisms possess specialized digestive enzymes tailored to their diets, with examples including amylase for carbohydrates, protease for proteins, and lipase for fats, but the specific types and amounts vary greatly
example of an enzyme in the body
Amylase: Breaks down starches into sugars, found in saliva and pancreatic juice.