Digestive Systems and Enzymes - Human Digestive System Flashcards
what is the digestive system an example of
it is an example of an organ system in which several organs work together to digest and absorb food
how do enzymes affect metabolism
These must be broken down to be absorbed into the body. The chemical reactions required to break them down would be too slow without enzymes
describe what enzymes are
Enzymes are proteins that have a complex 3D shape. Each enzyme has a region called an active site . The substrate – the molecule or molecules taking part in the chemical reaction – fits into the active site. One enzyme is therefore specific to one substrate’s chemical reaction, or type of chemical reaction.
how does temperature affect enzymes activity
An increase in temperature beyond the optimum (40 celcius) causes the enzyme’s active site to become denatured . This means the active site loses its important shape and can no longer form enzyme-substrate complexes, leading to a decrease in enzyme activity.
how does pH change affect enzyme activity
Each enzyme has an optimum pH range. Changing the pH outside of this range will slow enzyme activity. Extreme pH values can cause enzymes to denature
what do digestive enzymes convert food into
small, soluble molecules that can be absorbed into the blood stream
what do carbohydrase break carbohydrates down into
simple sugars, amylase is a carbohydrase which breaks down starch
what do proteases break down proteins into
amino acids
what do lipases break down lipids (fats) into
glycerol and fatty acids
what are the products of digestion used to build
new carbohydrates, lipids and proteins
where is bile made and stored
bile is made in the liver and stored in the gall bladder
is bile acidic or alkaline and why
it is alkaline to neutralise hydrochloric acid from the stomach it also emulsifies fat to from small droplets which increase the surface area
