Enzymes Key Word Glossary - Nutrition in Humans

Catalyst

A substance that can speed up the rate of a reaction but is not used up or changed itself.

Tissue

A group of specialised cells with a similar structure and function.

Digestive system

Organ system where food is digested and absorbed.

Lipases

Enzymes that speed up the digestion of lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.

Enzyme substrate complex

This forms when the enzyme and substrate join.

Active site

The region on an enzyme where the substrate binds.

Simple sugars

Monomers that make up carbohydrates. They contain the elements Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen.

Lipids

Large organic molecules which include fats and oils, made of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.

Liver

This organ produces bile.

Amino acids

Monomers made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen that are the building blocks of proteins.

Organ

An aggregation of different tissues working together to carry out specific functions.

Activation energy

The energy required for a chemical reaction to occur; catalysts reduce this.

Amylase

Enzyme that digests starch to maltose.

Organ system

A group of organs that work together to carry out specific functions.

Metabolism

The sum of all the reactions taking place in a cell or the body of an organism.

Denature

The breakdown of the molecular structure of an enzyme so that its active site is no longer complementary to the substrate.

Protease

Enzymes that speed up the digestion of proteins into amino acids.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts, found in living cells and made from proteins.

Proteins

Polymers made of long chains of amino acids; they are used for building cells and tissues.

Maltase

Enzyme that digests maltose to glucose.

Glycerol

One of the components which makes up the structure of a lipid molecule.

Gallbladder

A small organ that stores and releases bile to aid in digestion.

Bile

Alkaline substance that neutralises stomach acid and emulsifies lipids.

Hydrochloric acid

An acidic substance released by the stomach to lower the pH of its contents.

Optimum

Conditions that provide the best environment for enzyme activity.

Carbohydrase

Enzymes that digest carbohydrates into simple sugars.

Fatty acids

One of the components that makes up a lipid molecule.

Carbohydrates

Polymers made from repeating units of simple sugars, providing a short term source of energy.