Organisation and digestive system

• Role of enzymes in digestion

  1. Break down large molecules into smaller soluble molecules

  2. Enzymes help us absorb nutrients through intestinal lining
• Role of bile


  1. Neutralize acids

  2. Emulsify fats
• Main groups of nutrients

  • Carbohydrates
  • Proteins
  • Fats
• Carbohydrates


  • Found in foods like pasta, potatoes, rice
  • Used by body as energy source
  • Main type is starch
• Breakdown of carbohydrates


  1. Starch broken down by amylase enzyme

  2. Into smaller sugars like maltose
• Where amylase is made


  • Salivary glands
  • Pancreas
  • Small intestine
• Proteins


  • Found in foods like nuts, meats, beans
  • Broken down by protease enzymes
  • Into amino acids
• Where proteases are made


  • Stomach (pepsin)
  • Pancreas
  • Small intestine
• Fats/Lipids


  • Found in foods like cheese, oils, chocolate
  • Broken down by lipase enzymes
  • Into glycerol and fatty acids
• Where lipases are made


  • Pancreas
  • Small intestine
• To remember where each enzyme is made, just remember that all are made by the pancreas and small intestine, with amylase also made by salivary glands and proteases also made in the stomach