2.5.2 Enzymes Flashcards
What is vital for the enzymes function?
The shape of an enzyme is vital for the enzyme’s
function.
How can you change an enzymes shape?
High temperatures change the shape.
What can affect how well an enzyme works?
Different enzymes work best at different pH values.
What are the digestive enzymes?
The digestive enzymes are produced by specialised
cells in glands and in the lining of the gut. The
enzymes then pass out of the cells into the gut
where they come into contact with food molecules.
They catalyse the breakdown of large molecules into
smaller molecules.
Where is amylase produced and what does it do?
The enzyme amylase is produced in the salivary glands,
the pancreas and the small intestine. This enzyme
catalyses the breakdown of starch into sugars in the
mouth and small intestine.
Where is protease produced and what does it do?
Protease enzymes are produced by the stomach, the
pancreas and the small intestine. These enzymes
catalyse the breakdown of proteins into amino
acids in the stomach and the small intestine.
Where is lipase produced and what does it do?
Lipase enzymes are produced by the pancreas and
small intestine. These enzymes catalyse the
breakdown of lipids (fats and oils) into fatty acids
and glycerol in the small intestine.
What does the stomach produce and why in relation to enzymes?
The stomach also produces hydrochloric acid. The
enzymes in the stomach work most effectively in
these acid conditions
Explain how and why bile is produced?
The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gall
bladder before being released into the small intestine.
Bile neutralises the acid that was added to food in
the stomach. This provides alkaline conditions in
which enzymes in the small intestine work
most effectively.
What are some uses of enzymes in the home?
■ biological detergents may contain protein-digesting
and fat-digesting enzymes (proteases and lipases)
■ biological detergents are more effective at low
temperatures than other types of detergents.
What are some uses of enzymes industry?
■ proteases are used to ‘pre-digest’ the protein in
some baby foods
■ carbohydrases are used to convert starch into
sugar syrup
■ isomerase is used to convert glucose syrup into
fructose syrup, which is much sweeter and
therefore can be used in smaller quantities in
slimming foods.
Why are enzymes used in industry?
In industry, enzymes are used to bring about reactions
at normal temperatures and pressures that would
otherwise require expensive, energy-demanding
equipment. However, most enzymes are
denatured at high temperatures and many
are costly to produce.
