Enzymes: Digestion Flashcards
Where are digestive enzymes produced?
specialised cells in glands and lining of the gut
What happens when the enzymes pass out of the cells?
- come into contact with food
- catalyze breakdown of larger molecules into smaller ones
Name three types of large, insoluble molecules
- starch
- protein
- fats
What are the three types of digestive enzymes?
- amylase
- protease
- lipase
Where is amylase produced?
- salivary glands
- pancreas
- small intestine
What does amylase do?
catalyzes breakdown of starch into sugars
eg. maltose and other sugars such as dextrins
Where does amylase affect?
- mouth
- small intestine
What pH condition does amylase work best in?
alkaline
Where is protease produced?
- stomach
- pancreas
- small intestine
What does protease do?
catalyzes the breakdown of proteins into amino acids
e.g. pepsin into peptides
Where does protease affect?
- stomach
- small intestine
What pH conditions does protease work best in?
acidic (1-2)
How is this acidic condition achieved?
glands in stomach walls produce hydrochloric acid
Where is lipase produced?
- pancreas
- small intestine
What does lipase do?
catalyzes breakdown of lipids into fatty acids and glycerol
What pH conditions does lipase work best in?
alkaline
What does the liver produce?
bile (stored in gall bladder)
What does bile do?
- neutralises HCl to produce alkaline conditions
- emulsifies fats
What is egestion?
undigested food stored in rectum is removed via faeces through anus
