Test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Enzymes in Digestion

Digestive enzymes are produced by specialised cells in the glands and the lining of the gut. They are then secreted out of the body cells and into the cavity of the digestive system.

Functions of digestive enzymes

Functions of digestive enzymes

  • The digestive enzymes catalyse the breakdown of large, insoluble food molecules into smaller, soluble molecules that are then small enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
  • Digested molecules can be used to construct new carbohydrates, proteins and lipids in the body.
  • Some glucose produced by digestion is used for respiration.
Enzymes in digestion

Enzymes in digestion

  • The three main digestive enzymes are:
    • Amylase
    • Protease
    • Lipase
Enzymes in the small intestine

Enzymes in the small intestine

  • Enzymes in the small intestine operate best in alkaline conditions.
  • Bile neutralises acid from the stomach to stop these enzymes becoming denatured.
Functions of bile

Functions of bile

  • Bile breaks up fats into tiny droplets, through a process called emulsification.
  • The tiny droplets have a higher surface area than the original fat drop.
  • This increases the rate of the lipase-catalysed reactions that break fats down.
Jump to other topics
1

Classification of Living Organisms

2

Organisation of the Organism

3

Movement Into & Out of Cells

4

Biological Molecules

5

Enzymes

6

Plant Nutrition

7

Human Nutrition

8

Transport in Plants

9

Transport in Animals

10

Diseases & Immunity

11

Gas Exchange in Humans

12

Respiration

13

Excretion in Humans

14

Coordination & Response

15

Drugs

16

Reproduction

17

Inheritance

18

Variation & Selection

19

Organisms & Their Environment

20

Human Influence on Ecosystems

21

Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

Practice questions on Digestive System

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
Answer all questions on Digestive System

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium