Chapter 3.6 How the digestive system works

Question 1

What does digestion involve the breakdown of?

Answer 1

Digestion involves the breakdown of large insoluble molecules into soluble substances that can be absorbed into the blood across the wall of the small intestine.

Question 2

What are digestive enzymes produced by?

Answer 2

Digestive enzymes are produced by specialised cells in glands and in the lining of the digestive system.

Question 3

What does amylase catalyse the breakdown of?

Answer 3

Carbohydrases such as amylase catalyse the breakdown of carbohydrates to simple sugars.

Question 4

What does proteases catalyse the breakdown of?

Answer 4

Proteases catalyse the breakdown of proteins to amino acids.

Question 5

What do lipases catalyse the breakdown of?

Answer 5

Lipases catalyse the breakdown of lipids to fatty acids and glycerol.

Question 6

Name the three types of enzymes found in the body.

Answer 6

• Amylase (produced by the salivary glands)
• Protease (The body produces protease in the pancreas, but the pancreas doesn’t produce protease in a working condition.)
• Lipase (The main source of lipase in your digestive tract is your pancreas, which makes pancreatic lipase that acts in your small intestine.)