Enzymes and Digestion Flashcards
Organisation (27 cards)
What are the BIG molecules that digestive enzymes break down?
Starch, proteins, and fats
These molecules are too large to pass through the walls of the digestive system.
What small, soluble molecules result from the breakdown of BIG molecules?
Glucose, maltose, amino acids, glycerol, and fatty acids
These smaller molecules can pass easily through the walls of the digestive system.
What do carbohydrases convert carbohydrates into?
Simple sugars
Amylase is an example of a carbohydrase.
Where is amylase produced in the body?
1) Salivary glands
2) Pancreas
3) Small intestine
What do proteases convert proteins into?
Amino acids
Proteases are essential for protein digestion.
Where are proteases produced in the body?
1) Stomach
2) Pancreas
3) Small intestine
What do lipases convert lipids into?
Glycerol and fatty acids
Lipases play a crucial role in fat digestion.
Where are lipases produced in the body?
1) Pancreas
2) Small intestine
How does the body use the products of digestion?
To make new carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids
Some glucose is also used in respiration.
What is the function of bile in digestion?
Neutralises stomach acid and emulsifies fats
Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gall bladder.
What is the pH condition that bile creates for enzymes in the small intestine?
Alkaline
Bile neutralises the acidic pH from stomach acid.
What effect does bile have on fats?
It emulsifies fats, breaking them into tiny droplets
This increases the surface area for lipase to work on.
What are enzymes used in the digestive system produced by?
Specialised cells in glands and in the gut lining.
Different enzymes catolyse the breakdown of _______.
[different food molecules]
What do salivary glands produce?
Amylase.
What enzyme is produced in the stomach?
Pepsin.
What is the function of the muscular walls of the stomach?
To churn the food.
What is produced in the liver?
Bile.
What is the role of bile in digestion?
Neutralises stomach acid and emulsifies fats.
What two reasons does the stomach produce hydrochloric acid?
- To kill bacteria
- To give the right pH for the protease enzyme to work.
Where is bile stored?
Gall bladder.
What enzymes does the pancreas produce?
- Protease
- Amylase
- Lipase.
Where are enzymes released by the pancreas sent?
Into the small intestine.
What is absorbed from food in the large intestine?
Excess water.
