Enzymes and digestion Flashcards
(19 cards)
What do digestive enzymes do?
Break down big molecules into smaller ones.
Why do big molecules such as starch, proteins and fats need to be broken down?
They’re too big to pass through the walls of the digestive system.
What does amylase do?
Converts starch into sugars.
What three places can amylase be found?
1) Salivary glands
2) Pancreas
3) Small intestine
What does protease do?
Converts protein into amino acids.
What three places can protease be found?
1) Stomach
2) Pancreas
3) Small intestine
What are lipids?
Fats and oils
What does lipase do?
Converts lipids into glycerol and fatty acids
What two places can lipase be found?
1) Pancreas
2) Small intestine
What does bile do?
Neutralises stomach acid and emulsifies fats
Why does the hydrochloric stomach acid need to neutralised?
The pH is too acidic for enzymes in the small intestine to work properly.
Why does emulsifying fats help with the process of digestion? (2 marks)
It gives a bigger surface area of fat for the lipase enzyme to work on and so digestion happens faster.
What is the function of the liver?
To produce bile
What is the function of the salivary glands?
To produce amylase enzymes in the saliva
What is the function of the gall bladder?
To store bile and then release it into the small intestine
What happens in the large intestine?
Excess water is absorbed from the food
Give the two reasons why the stomach produces hydrochloric acid?
1) To kill bacteria
2) To give the right pH for protease enzymes to work
What is the importance of the pancreas?
It produces amylase, protease and lipase. Essential enzymes for digestion.
What happens to food in the small intestine? (Give two details)
It is broken down by digestive enzymes and then absorbed out of the digestive system into the blood.
