digestive system

• What are digestive enzymes?

  Specialized proteins that act as biological catalysts to break down food
• What is the general function of digestive enzymes?

  To break down large food molecules into smaller, absorbable units
• What are the 3 main types of digestive enzymes?

  Proteases, lipases, amylases
• What do proteases break down?

  Proteins
• What do lipases break down?

  Fats/lipids
• What do amylases break down?

  Carbohydrates
• How do proteases break down proteins?

  By cutting peptide bonds between amino acids
• Why are digestive enzymes important for nutrition?

  They allow nutrient absorption, energy production, protein utilization, and prevent malnutrition
• What happens if someone doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes?

  Poor nutrient absorption leading to malnutrition