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
