Digestive Processes and Enzymes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to digestion, enzymes, and their functions in the body.

What is the process of digestion?

The breaking down of large insoluble molecules into smaller soluble molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

What are enzymes?

Biological catalysts that are large protein molecules that speed up reactions.

What is metabolism?

The sum of all the reactions in a cell or the body.

What does it mean when an enzyme is denatured?

The shape of the active site changes, so the substrate will no longer fit and the enzyme cannot act as a catalyst.

What is amylase and where is it produced?

An enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into sugars, made in the salivary glands and pancreas.

What is protease and where is it produced?

An enzyme that breaks down protein-rich foods into amino acids, made in the pancreas and small intestine.

What is lipase and where is it produced?

An enzyme that breaks down lipids (fats and oils) into fatty acids and glycerol, made in the pancreas and small intestine.

What is bile and what is its function?

A green-yellow alkaline liquid made in the liver that neutralizes stomach acid and emulsifies fats.

What is emulsification?

The breaking down of large fat molecules into smaller droplets.

What is the importance of bile in digestion?

Bile neutralizes stomach acid to provide optimal pH for enzymes and emulsifies fat to increase the efficiency of lipase.