Enzymes & Digestion: Nature's Chemical Scissors

What are Enzymes?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up the breakdown of food molecules without being used up themselves. Each enzyme works on a specific type of molecule (its substrate) and transforms it into smaller molecules (its products).

 

Why Are Enzymes Important in Digestion?

1. Breaking Down Large Molecules:

   • Large food molecules like starch, proteins, and fats are insoluble.
   • Enzymes break them into small, soluble molecules that can be absorbed into the blood.

2. Speeding Up Digestion:

   • Enzymes work quickly, allowing your body to digest food efficiently.

 

The Key Digestive Enzymes

Enzyme	Substrate	Product	Where It’s Made	Where It Acts
Amylase	Starch	Maltose	Salivary glands, pancreas	Mouth, small intestine
Maltase	Maltose	Glucose	Small intestine	Small intestine
Protease	Proteins	Amino acids	Stomach, pancreas	Stomach, small intestine
Lipase	Fats and oils	Fatty acids + glycerol	Pancreas	Small intestine

 

How Do Enzymes Work?

Enzymes work in specific pH conditions:

• Acidic environments: Protease in the stomach (pepsin) works best in the acidic conditions created by hydrochloric acid.
• Alkaline environments: Enzymes in the small intestine, like trypsin, need an alkaline pH