Enzymes and Digestion

• Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up rate of reactions without getting used up
• amalyse converts starch to sugars like glucose
• protease converts protiens to amino acids
• lipase changes lipids to fatty acids and glycerol
• amylase is produced in the salivary glands pancreas and small intestine
• Proteases are produced by stomach, pancreas and small intestine
• Lipases are produced by pancreas and small intestine
• the optimum is the maximum rate of reaction
• Inhibitors are molecules that fit into the active site but are not broken down
• Food is broken down for large insoluble molecules into small soluble molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream
• If there is too much heat the active site is denatured and enzyme substrate complexes cannot be formed
• Lipase and protease are used i biological washing powder
• Enzymes are useful in bologiical washing powder as the allow cooler temperatures and use less electricity and energy
• The pH affects the shape of an enzyme which then effects its activity