Making Digestion Efficient

• What type of enzymes work best in acid conditions in the stomach?

  Protease enzymes
• What substance does the stomach produce to maintain a low pH?

  Hydrochloric acid
• Where do the enzymes produced in the pancreas and small intestine work best?

  In alkaline conditions
• What is the role of bile in digestion?

  It neutralises acid and emulsifies fats
• What are the key functions of bile in the digestive system?

  • Neutralises stomach acid
  • Emulsifies fats into smaller droplets
  • Increases the surface area for digestion
• Where is bile produced and stored?

  Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder
• Why is it important for the stomach to have a low pH for protease enzymes?

  Because it allows protease enzymes to work efficiently
• How does the environment of the stomach differ from that of the small intestine regarding enzyme activity?

  The stomach is acidic while the small intestine is alkaline
• What happens to food as it leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine?

  • The food is very acidic
  • Bile is released to neutralise the acid
  • Enzymes from the pancreas act in alkaline conditions
• What is the primary function of protease enzymes in the digestive system?

  To break down proteins
• What is the significance of emulsifying fats in digestion?

  It increases the surface area for enzymes to act on
• What is the role of the gallbladder in digestion?

  To store bile
• What are the differences between the digestive enzymes in the stomach and those in the small intestine?

  • Stomach enzymes (proteases) work best in acidic conditions
  • Small intestine enzymes (amylases, lipases) work best in alkaline conditions
  • Bile from the liver aids in fat digestion in the small intestine
• At what temperature do human digestive enzymes work best at?

  37°C
• Where is hydrochloric acid produced?

  Glands in the stomach wall