GCSE Biology: Enzymes and Digestion

5th April 2017

GCSE Biology revision

Enzymes and digestion - making your GCSE Science revision digestible!

 

The human digestive system is a complex thing and it is important that you know some key facts to tackle your GCSE Biology exam. Firstly, let’s take a look at the digestion system and all the different parts that it is made of:

 

  • The mouth - this is where food enters the body and where the process of digestion begins

  • The salivary glands - these are glands in the mouth which produce saliva and an enzyme called amylase

  • The oesophagus -  this is the muscular tube located in your throat which squeezes food into the stomach

  • The stomach - the organ where digestion continues

  • The pancreas - produces enzymes which speed up the digestion process

  • The liver - produces bile which breaks down fats into fatty acids which can be absorbed

  • The gall bladder - this is where bile is produced before it is released into the duodenum

  • Small intestine (duodenum) - here the food is mixed with digestive enzymes and  bile

  • Small intestine (ileum) - here the digested food is absorbed into the bloodstream

  • Large intestine (colon) - this is the part that reabsorbs water from the process

  • Large intestine (rectum) - this is where the final product of digestions - the faeces - are stored

  • Large intestine (anus) - this is the point where the faeces exit the body

 

Enzymes are a vital part of the digestion process - without them, digestion will not take place. There are different types, and together they break down large insoluble food molecules into small, water-soluble molecules.

 

Each enzyme breaks down a different product with a different result. Take a look:

  • Amylase breaks down starch to produce maltose
  • Protease enzymes break down proteins to produce amino acids

  • Lipase enzymes break down fats and oils into fatty acids and glycerol

  • Maltase enzymes break down maltose into glucose


It is crucial that you understand the function of the different enzymes. To help you remember we have produced a song which tells you about some of these enzymes and their functions. Take a listen here and learn all what you need to know for GCSE Science.


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