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The activity of enzymes is affected by changes in temperature and pH

Enzymes activity has an optimum temperature

Enzyme activity has an optimum pH

liver

oesophagus

stomach

large intestines

small intestines

gall bladder

pancreas

mouth

anus

B03) ORGANISATION AND THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Cells, tissues, organs and systems

Principles of organisation

Cells

e.g. muscle cells

The basic building blocks of all living organisms.

Tissues

e.g. muscle tissue

A group of cells with a similar structure and function.

Organs

e.g. the heart

Aggregations (working together) of tissues performing a specific function.

Organ systems

e.g. the circulatory system

Organs working together to form organ systems, which work together to form an organism.

The human digestive system

Carbohydrases (e.g. amylase)

Made in salivary glands, pancreas, small intestine

Break down carbohydrates to simple sugar (e.g. amylase breaks down starch to glucose).

Proteases

Made in stomach, pancreas

Break down protein to amino acids.

Lipases

Made in pancreas (works in small intestine)

Break down lipids (fats) to glycerol and fatty acids).

Bile (not an enzyme)

Made in liver, stored in gall bladder.

Emulsifies lipids to increase surface area to increase the rate of lipid break down by lipase. Changes pH to neutral for lipase to work

Digestive enzymes speed up the conversion of large insoluble molecules (food) into small soluble molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream

The products of digestion are used to build new carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Some glucose is used for respiration.

The ‘lock and key theory’ is a simplified model to explain enzyme action

Enzymes catalyse specific reactions in living organisms due to the shape of their active site

Enzymes catalyse (increase the rate of) specific reactions in living organisms

An organ system in which organs work together to digest and absorb food.

Enzymes in digestion

Sugars (glucose)

Benedicts’ test

Orange to brick red precipitate.

Starch

Iodine test

Turns black.

Biuret

Biuret reagent

Mauve or purple solution.

Food tests

Non-communicable diseases

More energy consumed in food and drink than used

obesity

Linked to increased rates of cardiovascular disease and development of diabetes type 2.

Large changes in temperature or pH can stop the enzyme from working (denature)

Temperature too high

pH too high or too low

Enzyme changes shape (denatures) the substrate no longer fits the active site.