Enzymes and Digestion Flashcards
Why do digestive enzymes break down big molecules?
Because big molecules are too big to pass through the walls of the digestive system they break down big molecules (starch, proteins and fats) into smaller molecules (sugars, amino acids, glycerol and fatty acids) so these smaller, soluble molecules can pass easily through the walls of the digestive system allowing them to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
What does amylase convert ___ into ___?
Amylase converts starch into glucose.
What does protease convert ___ into ___?
Protease converts proteins into amino acids.
What does lipase convert ___ into ___?
Lipase converts lipids into glycerol and fatty acids.
Where is amylase made?
Salivary glands, pancreas and small intestine.
Where are proteases made?
Stomach (pepsin), pancreas and small intestine.
Where are lipases made?
Pancreas and small intestine.
Where is bile produced and stored and released?
Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gall bladder before being released into the small intestine.
What is biles role in the digestive system?
Bile is alkaline so it neutralises the stomach acid and makes conditions in the small intestine alkaline. The enzymes of the small intestine work best in these conditions. It also emulsifies fats/breaks them down into tiny droplets. This gives a bigger surface area of fat for the enzyme lipase to work on, making it faster.
