Enzymes in Breakdown and Synthesis Flashcards
What big molecules do enzymes breakdown?
Proteins, lipids and some carbohydrates.
Why is it important to break down these molecules?
They need to be broken down into their smaller components so they can be used for growth and other life processes.
An example of enzymes breaking down big molecules in the digestive system?
Many of the food we eat are too big to pass through the walls of our digestive system.
Digestive enzymes break them down into smaller and soluble molecules.
These can easily pass through the walls of the digestive system, allowing them to be absorbed into the blood stream.
These then can be passed into cells to be used by the body.
An example of enzymes breaking down big molecules in plants?
Plants store energy in the form of starch (a carbohydrate).
When plants need energy, enzymes break down the starch into smaller molecules (sugars).
These then can be respired to transfer energy to be used by the cells.
What do enzymes call carbohydrases do?
They convert carbohydrates into simple sugars.
For example:
Amylase breaks down starch into sugars
What do enzymes call proteases do?
They convert proteins into amino acids.
What do enzymes call lipases do?
They convert lipids(fats and oils) into glycerol and fatty acids.
When lipids are broken down, the fatty acids lower the pH solution they are in.
What do organisms need to synthesise (to form) that involve the help from enzymes?
They need to synthesise carbohydrates, lipids and proteins from their smaller components.
How are carbohydrates synthesised?
Carbohydrates can be synthesised by joining together simple sugars.
An example:
Glycogen synthase is an enzyme which joins together lots of chains of glucose molecules to form glycogen (a molecule used to store energy in animals).
How are proteins synthesised?
Proteins can be synthesised by joining amino acids together. Enzymes catalyse (start) the reactions to do this.
How are lipids synthesised?
Lipids can be synthesised from fatty acids and glycerol.
Lots of enzymes are involved with this.
