Enzymes Flashcards
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are proteins that kickstart and accelerate chemical reactions in cells
What do enzymes do?
Enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions to occur, making them more efficient.
What would happen without enzymes?
Essential processes like digestion and nerve impulse processing would be too slow
What do enzymes do in digestion?
They break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
What does amylase break down?
Carbohydrates like starch into smaller sugars
What does protease break down?
Proteins into amino acids
What do lipases break down?
Fats or lipids into glycerol and fatty acids
Where is amylase produced?
Salivary glands, pancreas, small intensine
Where are proteases produced?
Stomach, pancreas and small intestine
Where are lipases produced?
Pancreas and small intestine
What do carbohydrates do?
They are a major energy source for the body
What do proteins do?
They are essential for growth and repair
What do fats or lipids do?
They provide energy and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
What happens to enzymes after use?
Enzymes are catalysts because they can be used over and over again
What do enzymes often end in?
ase (Lactase)
