Enzymes in Breakdown and Synthesis Flashcards
Why do we need digestive enzymes?
Digestive enzymes break big molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, into smaller, soluble molecules.
These can pass easily through the walls of the digestive system.
How do plants store energy?
Store energy in the form of starch (a carbohydrate) - when plants need energy, enzymes break down the starch to smaller molecules (sugars).
What enzymes break down carbohydrates?
Carbohydrases.
What are carbohydrates broken down to make?
Simple sugars.
What enzymes break down proteins?
Proteases.
What are proteins broken down to make?
Amino acids.
What enzymes break down lipids?
Lipases.
What are lipids broken down to make?
Glycerol and fatty acids.
What is glycogen synthase?
An enzyme that joins together lots of chains of glucose molecules to make glycogen (used to store energy).
