Enzymes in Digestion (Cambridge International IGCSE Biology)

Spec point — 7.4.4 · Describe the functions of enzymes as follows: (a) amylase breaks down starch to simple reducing sugars (b) proteases break down protein to amino acids (c) lipase breaks down fats and oils to fatty acids and glycerol State where, in the digestive system, amylase, protease and lipase are secreted and where they act

Enzymes in digestion

Amylases

• Amylases are produced in the mouth and the pancreas (secreted into the duodenum)
• Amylases digest starch into smaller sugars

The digestion of starch

Proteases

• Proteases are a group of enzymes that break down proteins into amino acids in the stomach and small intestine (with the enzymes in the small intestine having been produced in the pancreas)

The digestion of proteins

Lipases

• Lipase enzymes are produced in the pancreas and secreted into the duodenum
• They digest lipids into fatty acids and glycerol

The digestion of lipids