Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
The digestive enzyme shown in purple attaches to the substrate which is broken down into two smaller pieces.
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 Hypothesis.
Some digestive enzymes you should know:
- Carbohydrases - Salivary Amylase, Pancreatic Amylase and Amylase.
- Proteases - Pepsin, Trypsin and Petidase
- Lipase