How The Digestive System Works

Question 1

Digestive enzymes

Answer 1

Most enzymes work inside your cells. Digestive ones work outside. They are produced by specialised cells. The enzymes then pass into the digestive system itself where they come into contact with food molecules. The digestive system mixes food with enzymes and the muscles move your food along. Different areas of the stomach have different pH levels.

Question 2

Digesting carbohydrates

Answer 2

Enzymes that break carbohydrates are called carbohydrases. Starch is a common is carbohydrate that you eat. It is broken down into sugars in your mouth and small intestine. The reaction is catalysed by amylase. They are produced in the salivary glands and the pancreas.

Question 3

Digesting proteins

Answer 3

The break down of protein is catalysed by protease. They are produced in the stomach, pancreas and the small intestine. The breakdown of proteins into amino acids happens in the stomach and small intestine.

Question 4

Digesting fats

Answer 4

The lipids are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol in the small intestine. The is catalysed by lipase. They are made in the small intestine and pancreas. The enzymes made in the pancreas are passed into the small intestine.

Question 5

After digestion

Answer 5

After the molecules have been digested, they leave the intestine and are passed into the bloodstream.