Role of Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes

Biological catalysts that break down large insoluble molecules into small soluble ones

Amylase

Enzyme that breaks starch into maltose

Maltase

Enzyme that breaks maltose into glucose

Protease

Enzyme that breaks proteins into amino acids

Pepsin

Protease found in the stomach

Trypsin

Protease released by the pancreas

Lipase

Enzyme that breaks lipids into fatty acids and glycerol

Bile

Substance that neutralises stomach acid and emulsifies fats

Emulsification

Breaking large fat droplets into smaller ones to increase surface area

Hydrochloric acid

Provides acidic pH for pepsin and kills bacteria

Small intestine

Main site of enzyme action and absorption

Pancreas

Produces amylase, protease, and lipase

What is the role of digestive enzymes?

To break large insoluble molecules into small soluble ones

What does amylase break down?

Starch → maltose

Where is amylase produced?

Salivary glands, pancreas, small intestine

What does maltase break down?

Maltose → glucose

Where is maltase found?

Small intestine

What does protease break down?

Proteins → amino acids

Where is pepsin found?

Stomach

What pH does pepsin work best at?

Acidic pH

Where is trypsin produced?

Pancreas

What does lipase break down?

Lipids → fatty acids + glycerol

Where is lipase produced?

Pancreas and small intestine

What is the function of bile?

Neutralises stomach acid and emulsifies fats

Why is emulsification important?

Increases surface area for lipase to act

Where is bile produced?

Liver

Where is bile stored?

Gallbladder

Why must food be broken into small soluble molecules?

So they can be absorbed into the bloodstream

Which organ is the main site of digestion?

Small intestine

Which organ produces most digestive enzymes?

Pancreas

Which enzyme completes carbohydrate digestion?

Maltase