enzymes and nutrition

• What are enzymes?


  Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in our bodies
• What is the role of enzymes in nutrition?


  They break down food molecules into smaller, more easily absorbed nutrients
• What are enzymes made of?


  Proteins
• How do enzymes accelerate chemical reactions?


  By not being consumed in the reaction
• What is the function of amylase in digestion?


  It breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars
• What does the lock and key model explain about enzymes?


  It explains how enzymes are specific to certain substrates
• In the lock and key model, what does the substrate represent?


  The key
• What is the active site of an enzyme?


  The specific region where the substrate binds
• What are the three main types of digestive enzymes?

  Amylases, proteases, and lipases
• What are the functions of amylases, proteases, and lipases?

  • **Amylases**: Break down carbohydrates into simple sugars
  • **Proteases**: Break down proteins into amino acids
  • **Lipases**: Break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol
• What is the role of salivary amylase?


  It starts digesting starches in the mouth
• What does pepsin do?


  It breaks down proteins in the stomach
• What is the function of pancreatic lipase?


  It breaks down fats in the small intestine
• What happens to enzymes at temperatures above their optimal range?


  They can denature and become inactive
• What is the optimal pH for pepsin?


  pH 2
• How does substrate concentration affect enzyme activity?


  More substrate generally means faster reactions, up to a point
• What effect does increasing enzyme concentration have on reactions?


  More enzymes can break down substrate faster
• What are inhibitors in relation to enzymes?


  Substances that can block or slow enzyme activity
• What digestive issue can arise from enzyme deficiencies?


  Lactose intolerance due to lack of lactase enzyme
• What is the role of dietary enzymes?


  Some foods contain enzymes that can aid digestion
• What enzyme does pineapple contain that aids digestion?

  Bromelain
• How do enzymes relate to nutrition and digestion?


  They break down food into absorbable nutrients essential for energy and building blocks
• How do enzymes aid in nutrient absorption?


  By breaking down food into small enough molecules for absorption
• What is the significance of enzyme deficiencies in digestion?


  They can lead to digestive issues
• What is the relationship between enzymes and energy from food?


  Enzymes help break down food to obtain energy and building blocks