Enzymes in Breakdown and Synthesis Flashcards
Why is it important that enzymes break down big molecules like proteins, lipids and carbohydrates?
They need to be broken into smaller components so they can be used for growth and other life processes.
What do digestive enzymes do?
Break down molecules of the food we eat as they are too big to pass through the walls of our digestive system. They become smaller, soluble molecules and can pass easily through the walls allowing them to be absorbed by he bloodstream.
What do enzymes do when plants need energy?
Plants store the energy and when needed enzymes break down the starch into smaller molecules. These can be respired to transfer energy to be used by the cells.
What are the enzymes called which breaks down starch (carbohydrates) into maltose and other simple sugars?
Carbohydrases (amylase)
What do proteases concert proteins into?
Amino acids
What is the enzyme called which breaks down lipids into glycerol and fatty acids?
Lipases
How are carbohydrates synthesised?
By joining together simple sugars
What is glycogen synthase?
An enzyme that joins together lots of chains of glucose molecules to make glycogen
How are proteins made?
Joining amino acids together
How are lipids synthesised
Join fatty acids and glycerol
