Digestive Enzyme
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
A digestive enzyme is a molecule made in the digestive system that breaks down large food molecules into smaller molecules.
About Digestive Enzymes
- There are different digestive enzymes for each nutrient.
Some digestive enzymes you should know:
- Carbohydrase - Breaks down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars.
- Protease - Breaks down proteins.
- Lipase - Brakes down lipids (fats and oils).
Key Stage 4
Meaning
A digestive enzyme is an enzyme which is used to break down large insoluble molecules into smaller soluble molecules.
About Digestive Enzymes
- Digestive enzymes, like all enzymes, are made of proteins.
- Digestive enzymes work as a catalyst for the breakdown of large molecules.
- Digestive enzymes are shaped to work on only one substrate. This called the Lock and Key Model.
Some digestive enzymes you should know:
- Carbohydrases - Salivary Amylase, Pancreatic Amylase and Amylase.
- Proteases - Pepsin, Trypsin and Peptidase
- Lipase
Digestive Enzyme | Breaks down... | into... | Produced by: |
Salivary Amylase | Starch | Maltose | The salivary glands in the mouth. |
Pancreatic Amylase | Starch | Maltose | The pancreas and released into the Small Intestine. |
Amylase | Maltose | Glucose | The Small Intestine. |
Pepsin | Protein | Amino Acids | The gastric glands in the stomach. |
Trypsin | Protein | Amino Acids | The pancreas and released into the Small Intestine. |
Peptidase | Protein | Amino Acids | The Small Intestine. |
Lipase | Lipids | Fatty Acids and Glycerol. | The Pancreas. |