How The Digestive System Works

Question 1

Digestive enzymes

Answer 1

The enzymes involved in respiration, photosynthesis and protein synthesis work inside cells. Other enzymes are produced by specialised cells and released from them. The digestive enzymes are like this. They pass out into the gut, where they catalyse the breakdown of food molecules.

Question 2

Digestive cabohydrates

Answer 2

While complex carbohydrates require enzymes such as salivary amylase, pancreatic amylase and maltose for digestion, simple carbohydrates require little or no enzymatic reaction before absorption. Carbohydrates. Salivary Amylase. Pancreatic Amylase and Maltase. Sucrase and Lactase. Fiber. Healthy Carbohydrates.

Question 3

Digesting proteins

Answer 3

Digestive enzymes are classified based on their target substrates: Proteases and peptidases split proteins into small peptides and amino acids. Lipases split fat into three fatty acids and a glycerol molecule. Amylases split carbohydrates such as starch and sugars into simple sugars such as glucose.