Enzymes + digestion Flashcards
Enzyme
Definition: A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.
Example: Amylase, Protease, Lipase.
Amylase
Definition: An enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into sugars.
Example: Salivary amylase breaks down starch in the mouth.
Protease
Definition: An enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids.
Example: Pepsin, produced in the stomach, breaks down proteins into smaller peptides.
Lipase:
Definition: An enzyme that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
Example: Pancreatic lipase breaks down fats in the small intestine.
Enzyme Substrate
Definition: The specific molecule that an enzyme acts upon.
Example: Amylase acts on starch, protease acts on proteins, lipase acts on fats.
What is an enzyme?
An enzyme is a protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.
What is the function of amylase?
Amylase breaks down carbohydrates into sugars.
Which enzyme breaks down proteins into amino acids?
Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids.
What is the role of lipase?
Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
What is an enzyme substrate?
An enzyme substrate is the specific molecule that an enzyme acts upon.
What is the role of amylase in the digestive system?
Amylase breaks down complex carbohydrates (starches) into simpler sugars.
Where is pepsin produced, and what does it do?
Pepsin is produced in the stomach, and it breaks down proteins into smaller peptides.
What is the function of lactase?
Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products.
What is the significance of enzymes in digestion?
Enzymes play a crucial role in breaking down large food molecules into smaller, absorbable forms that the body can utilize.
Digestion
The process of breaking down food into smaller molecules for absorption.
Example: Chewing and chemical processes in the stomach and small intestine.
Mechanical Digestion
Physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces.
Example: Chewing and muscular contractions in the stomach.
Chemical Digestion
Chemical breakdown of food using enzymes and acids.
Example: Enzymes in saliva, stomach acid, and pancreatic enzymes.
Small Intestine
The primary site of digestion and nutrient absorption in the digestive system.
Example: Enzymes from the pancreas break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the small intestine.
Large Intestine
The part of the digestive system responsible for absorbing water and forming solid waste (feces).
Example: Water absorption and bacterial fermentation of undigested food occur in the large intestine.
Liver
The liver produces bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. It also performs detoxification and metabolic functions in the body.
Esophagus
The esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach using peristalsis, a rhythmic contraction of its muscles.
Pancreas
The pancreas produces digestive enzymes (such as amylase, lipase, and proteases) that break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also secretes bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid in the small intestine.
Stomach
The stomach stores food, mixes it with gastric juices, and secretes enzymes (particularly pepsin) to initiate the digestion of proteins.
Gallbladder
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver. It releases bile into the small intestine to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats.
