Digestive enzymes 1

Biology, Molecules and cells, Human and Animal Biology, Age 11-14, Age 14-16

Animated <a href="http://www.teachable.net/biology">biology teaching resource</a> explaining the role of enzymes (amylase, protease and lipase) in digestion - breaking down starch, protein and fats. 8 slides. One of our first <a href="http://www.teachable.net/science">science teaching resources</a>.


1Enzymeshttp://teachable.net/res.asp?r=1452Food is absorbed in the gut. The wall of the gut has lots of tiny holes in it.GutBUT large particles can be broken down into small particles. This is called DIGESTIONBloodSmall molecules such as glucose can pass into the blood but large molecules such as starch are left in the gut.3BUT large molecules can be broken down into small molecules by enzymes.
Enzymes are special proteins that act as biological catalysts. They speed up chemical reactions in the body.
Digestive enzymes work by fixing onto the food molecule or substrate and breaking it into smaller molecules.4Each enzyme fits onto a specific substrate like a lock and key.
For example amylase enzymes break down starch (a type of carbohydrate) by breaking the bonds between individual sugar molecules.5Protein molecules are long chains of amino acids.
Protease enzymes break the bonds between these amino acids.
Notice that protease also fits with its substrate protein like a lock and