enzymes and digestion

• What are enzymes used for in digestion?

  They break down food in the gut
• Why are digestive enzymes important?

  They break down big molecules for absorption
• What types of big molecules are broken down by digestive enzymes?

  Proteins, starch, and fats
• What is the role of carbohydrases in digestion?

  They convert carbohydrates into simple sugars
• What is an example of a carbohydrase?

  Amylase
• Where is amylase produced?

  Salivary glands, pancreas, small intestine
• What do proteases convert proteins into?

  Amino acids
• Where are proteases produced?

  Stomach, pancreas, small intestine
• What do lipases convert lipids into?

  Glycerol and fatty acids
• Where are lipases produced?

  Pancreas and small intestine
• What are lipids commonly known as?

  Fats and oils
• How does the body utilize the products of digestion?

  To make new carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids
• What is the function of bile in digestion?

  Neutralises stomach acid and emulsifies fats
• Where is bile produced and stored?

  Produced in the liver, stored in the gall bladder
• Why is bile alkaline?

  To neutralise stomach acid for enzyme function
• What is the effect of bile on fats?

  It emulsifies fats into tiny droplets
• How does emulsification benefit fat digestion?

  Increases surface area for lipase action
• What are the main components of the digestive system and their functions?

  • Salivary glands: Produce saliva and amylase
  • Stomach: Pummels food, produces pepsin and hydrochloric acid
  • Pancreas: Produces protease, amylase, and lipase
  • Small intestine: Completes digestion and absorbs nutrients
  • Liver: Produces bile
  • Gall bladder: Stores bile
  • Large intestine: Absorbs excess water
  • Rectum: Stores faeces
• How do different enzymes in the digestive system work together?

  They catalyse the breakdown of various food molecules
• What is the pH level of hydrochloric acid in the stomach?

  pH 2
• What are the two reasons hydrochloric acid is produced in the stomach?

  To kill bacteria and provide pH for pepsin
• What is the role of the rectum in the digestive system?

  Stores faeces before excretion
• What is the overall structure of the digestive system described as?

  A big hole that goes through the body
• How do digestive juices and enzymes interact in the digestive system?

  They mix with food to aid in digestion