Digestion Flashcards
What is digestion?
The breakdown of large insoluble molecules of food into smaller soluble molecules
Why is digestion important?
Large molecules are too big to be absorbed across the surface of the gut wall so must be broken down.
Ensure food molecules are soluble so that they can be transported to cells in the bloodstream.
What type of molecules are proteins and carbohydrates?
Polymers
During digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into _______
Simple sugars
Which group of enzymes catalyses the breakdown of carbohydrates?
Carbohydrases
Where are carbohydrases produced?
Mouth, Pancreas, Small Intenstine
During digestion, proteins are broken down into _____
Amino acids
Which type of enzyme catalyses the breakdown of proteins?
Proteases
Where are proteases produced?
Stomach, small intestine
During digestion, lipids are broken down into_____ and _____
Fatty acids and glycerol
Which type of enzyme catalyses the breakdown of lipids?
Lipases
Where are lipases produced?
Pancreas, small intestine
