B3.6 How the Digestive System Works Flashcards
Where do the enzymes (digestive or not) work in the body?
Most enzymes work inside cells, but digestive enzymes work outside cells.
Where are digestive enzymes produced?
By specialised cells in glands, and in the lining of the digestive system.
Why do different areas of the digestive system have different pH levels?
To allow the enzymes in each region to work as efficiently as possible.
What enzymes break down carbohydrates, protein and lipids?
Carbohydrases
Protease enzymes
Lipase enzymes
Where are carbohydrates broken down, and into what?
In the mouth and small intestine by amylase, into sugars.
Where are proteins broken down, and into what?
In the stomach and small intestine, into amino acids.
Where are lipids broken down, and into what?
In the small intestine, into fatty acids and glycerol.
What happens once the food molecules have been digested into soluble glucose, amino acids, fatty acids and glycerol?
They leave the small intestine, passing the bloodstream and being carried around the body to the cells that need them.
