Digestive Enzymes

• What is the role of enzymes in digestion?


  Enzymes help break down large molecules into smaller soluble molecules.
• How does bile assist in digestion?


  Bile neutralizes acids and emulsifies fats.
• What are the three main groups of nutrients that need to be broken down in digestion?

  Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
• What is the main type of carbohydrate and how is it broken down?


  The main type of carbohydrate is starch, which is broken down by amylase into smaller sugars.
• What enzyme is responsible for breaking down starch?

  Amylase.
• Where is amylase produced?


  In the salivary glands, pancreas, and small intestine.
• What are the products of starch breakdown by amylase?


  Smaller sugars such as maltose.
• What foods are rich in proteins?


  Nuts, meats, and beans.
• How are proteins broken down in the body?

  Proteins are broken down by protease enzymes into amino acids.
• What is the name of the protease enzyme found in the stomach?

  Pepsin.
• Where are proteases produced?


  In the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.
• What are the products of protein breakdown by proteases?


  Amino acids.
• What are fats also known as?

  Lipids.
• What foods contain lipids?


  Cheese, oils, and chocolate.
• How are fats broken down in the body?

  Fats are broken down by lipases into glycerol and fatty acids.
• Where are lipases produced?


  In the pancreas and small intestine.
• What is a helpful mnemonic to remember where digestive enzymes are produced?


  All enzymes are made by the pancreas and small intestine, with amylase also in salivary glands and proteases in the stomach.
• What are the main digestive enzymes and their functions?

  • Amylase: Breaks down starch into sugars.
  • Protease: Breaks down proteins into amino acids.
  • Lipase: Breaks down fats into glycerol and fatty acids.
• How do the roles of amylase, protease, and lipase differ in digestion?

  • Amylase: Digests carbohydrates (starch).
  • Protease: Digests proteins.
  • Lipase: Digests fats (lipids).