Biology- Digesting and Enzymes

Question	Answer
Amylase Enzymes	Enzymes can break down nutrients into small, soluble molecules that can be absorbed. For example, AMYLASE causes the breakdown of starch into simple sugars.
Different Enzymes	Chemical digestion involves enzymes. These are proteins that function as biological catalysts. Image: 85f67764-91ea-4553-9334-4d7306a8b2fd (image/png)
Enzymes in Saliva	Saliva is slightly alkaline. Enzymes in saliva convert starch into glucose: amylase catalyses: starch → maltose maltase catalyses: maltose → glucose Image: 0ba6fd9e-ddd9-4561-b72c-1fe52b49e5ba (image/png)
In the stomach: From starch to glucose	The stomach produces hydrochloric acid. It kills many harmful microorganisms that might have been swallowed along with the food. The enzymes in the stomach work best in acidic conditions – at a low pH.
Bile: From starch to glucose	The enzymes in the small intestine work best in alkaline conditions - but the food is acidic after being in the stomach. Bile is a substance produced by the liver. Image: 60b81279-109f-4b77-ac53-5fe50b1e5b99 (image/png)
BILE	Bile is secreted into the small intestine where it has two effects: it neutralises the acid - providing the alkaline conditions needed in the small intestine it emulsifies fats - providing a larger surface area over which the lipase enzymes can work

Resource summary

	Created by HazelAlison Dewar over 9 years ago