Enzymes and digestion Flashcards Preview

Biology 2 (additional) > Enzymes and digestion > Flashcards

Flashcards in Enzymes and digestion Deck (19)
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1
Q

What do digestive enzymes do?

A

Break down big molecules into smaller ones.

2
Q

Why do big molecules such as starch, proteins and fats need to be broken down?

A

They’re too big to pass through the walls of the digestive system.

3
Q

What does amylase do?

A

Converts starch into sugars.

4
Q

What three places can amylase be found?

A

1) Salivary glands
2) Pancreas
3) Small intestine

5
Q

What does protease do?

A

Converts protein into amino acids.

6
Q

What three places can protease be found?

A

1) Stomach
2) Pancreas
3) Small intestine

7
Q

What are lipids?

A

Fats and oils

8
Q

What does lipase do?

A

Converts lipids into glycerol and fatty acids

9
Q

What two places can lipase be found?

A

1) Pancreas

2) Small intestine

10
Q

What does bile do?

A

Neutralises stomach acid and emulsifies fats

11
Q

Why does the hydrochloric stomach acid need to neutralised?

A

The pH is too acidic for enzymes in the small intestine to work properly.

12
Q

Why does emulsifying fats help with the process of digestion? (2 marks)

A

It gives a bigger surface area of fat for the lipase enzyme to work on and so digestion happens faster.

13
Q

What is the function of the liver?

A

To produce bile

14
Q

What is the function of the salivary glands?

A

To produce amylase enzymes in the saliva

15
Q

What is the function of the gall bladder?

A

To store bile and then release it into the small intestine

16
Q

What happens in the large intestine?

A

Excess water is absorbed from the food

17
Q

Give the two reasons why the stomach produces hydrochloric acid?

A

1) To kill bacteria

2) To give the right pH for protease enzymes to work

18
Q

What is the importance of the pancreas?

A

It produces amylase, protease and lipase. Essential enzymes for digestion.

19
Q

What happens to food in the small intestine? (Give two details)

A

It is broken down by digestive enzymes and then absorbed out of the digestive system into the blood.