Enzymes + digestion

Question 1

Enzyme

Answer 1

Definition: A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.
Example: Amylase, Protease, Lipase.

Question 2

Amylase

Answer 2

Definition: An enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into sugars.
Example: Salivary amylase breaks down starch in the mouth.

Question 3

Protease

Answer 3

Definition: An enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids.
Example: Pepsin, produced in the stomach, breaks down proteins into smaller peptides.

Question 4

Lipase:

Answer 4

Definition: An enzyme that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
Example: Pancreatic lipase breaks down fats in the small intestine.

Question 5

Enzyme Substrate

Answer 5

Definition: The specific molecule that an enzyme acts upon.
Example: Amylase acts on starch, protease acts on proteins, lipase acts on fats.

Question 6

What is an enzyme?

Answer 6

An enzyme is a protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.

Question 7

What is the function of amylase?

Answer 7

Amylase breaks down carbohydrates into sugars.

Question 8

Which enzyme breaks down proteins into amino acids?

Answer 8

Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids.

Question 9

What is the role of lipase?

Answer 9

Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Question 10

What is an enzyme substrate?

Answer 10

An enzyme substrate is the specific molecule that an enzyme acts upon.

Question 11

What is the role of amylase in the digestive system?

Answer 11

Amylase breaks down complex carbohydrates (starches) into simpler sugars.

Question 12

Where is pepsin produced, and what does it do?

Answer 12

Pepsin is produced in the stomach, and it breaks down proteins into smaller peptides.

Question 13

What is the function of lactase?

Answer 13

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products.

Question 14

What is the significance of enzymes in digestion?

Answer 14

Enzymes play a crucial role in breaking down large food molecules into smaller, absorbable forms that the body can utilize.

Question 15

Digestion

Answer 15

The process of breaking down food into smaller molecules for absorption.
Example: Chewing and chemical processes in the stomach and small intestine.

Question 16

Mechanical Digestion

Answer 16

Physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces.
Example: Chewing and muscular contractions in the stomach.

Question 17

Chemical Digestion

Answer 17

Chemical breakdown of food using enzymes and acids.
Example: Enzymes in saliva, stomach acid, and pancreatic enzymes.

Question 18

Small Intestine

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Large Intestine

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Liver

Answer 20

The liver produces bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. It also performs detoxification and metabolic functions in the body.

Question 21

Esophagus

Answer 21

The esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach using peristalsis, a rhythmic contraction of its muscles.

Question 22

Pancreas

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Stomach

Answer 23

The stomach stores food, mixes it with gastric juices, and secretes enzymes (particularly pepsin) to initiate the digestion of proteins.

Question 24

Gallbladder

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

What is the process of digestion?

Answer 25

Digestion is the process of breaking down food into smaller molecules for absorption.

Question 26

What is the difference between mechanical and chemical digestion?

Answer 26

Mechanical digestion involves physical breakdown of food, while chemical digestion involves the use of enzymes and acids to break down food.

Question 27

Where does most digestion and absorption occur in the digestive system?

Answer 27

Most digestion and absorption occur in the small intestine.

Question 28

What is the function of the large intestine?

Answer 28

The large intestine absorbs water and forms solid waste

Question 29

How is the digestive system controlled?

Answer 29

The digestive system is controlled by hormones and the nervous system.

Question 30

What role do beneficial microorganisms play in digestion?

Answer 30

Beneficial microorganisms help with digestion, nutrient synthesis, immune regulation, and brain communication.

Question 31

How can imbalances in gut bacteria affect health?

Answer 31

Imbalances in gut bacteria can impact health and contribute to autoimmune diseases and weight disorders.

Question 32

How does the process of peristalsis contribute to digestion?

Answer 32

Peristalsis is a series of muscular contractions that propel food through the digestive tract, aiding in the mechanical digestion and movement of food.

Question 33

What is the function of bile in digestion?

Answer 33

Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, helps in the digestion and absorption of fats by breaking them down into smaller droplets.

Question 34

How are nutrients absorbed in the small intestine?

Answer 34

The small intestine has specialized structures called villi and microvilli that increase the surface area for nutrient absorption into the bloodstream.

Question 35

What role does the pancreas play in digestion?

Answer 35

The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine to further break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Question 36

How does the large intestine contribute to digestion?

Answer 36

While most digestion occurs in the small intestine, the large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes, and it houses beneficial bacteria that aid in the final digestion of certain substances.

Question 37

What are some factors that can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria?

Answer 37

Factors such as a poor diet, stress, antibiotics, and certain medical conditions can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to digestive problems.