Enzymes in breakdown and synthesis

• What do enzymes do?

  They break big molecules down into smaller ones.
• Name three big molecules.

  Proteins,lipids and carbohydrates.
• Why do large molecules need to be broken down?

  They need to be broken down to become digested and allow them to be absorbed into the bloodstream to be used by the body.
• Give an example of a carbohydrate, its enzyme and what it is broken down into?

  Carbohydrate: Starch Enzyme: Amylase Broken down into: Simple sugars (e.g. maltose or glucose)
• Give an example of a protein, its enzyme and what it is broken down into?

  Protein: Haemoglobin Enzyme: Protease Breakdown product: Amino acids
• Give an example of a lipid, its enzyme and what it is broken down into?

  Lipid: Lipids Enzyme: Lipase Breakdown product: Glycerol and fatty acids
• How can carbohydrates be synthesized?

  It can be synthesized by joining together simple sugars.
• What is glycogen synthase?

  It is an enzyme that joins together lots of chains of glucose molecules to make glycogen.
• How can proteins be synthesized?

  By joining amino acids together.
• How can lipids be synthesized?

  It can be synthesized by fatty acids and glycerol chained together.