OrganisationVery High Exam FrequencyAQAEdexcelOCRWJEC

Enzymes in Digestion

Enzyme structure and function, digestive enzymes, factors affecting enzyme activity, lock and key model, and practical investigations

What you'll cover

  • Enzyme structure: protein with active site
  • Lock and key model of enzyme action
  • Enzyme specificity and substrate binding
  • Amylase: starch → maltose
  • Proteases: proteins → amino acids
  • Lipases: lipids → glycerol + fatty acids
  • pH effects on enzyme activity
  • Temperature effects on enzyme activity
  • Denaturation process and irreversibility
  • Optimum conditions for different enzymes
  • Enzyme production sites in digestive system

Sample Flashcards

What is an enzyme?
A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy. Enzymes are proteins with specific 3D shapes.
What does lipase do?
Breaks down lipids (fats) into fatty acids and glycerol. Produced by pancreas, works in small intestine.

Sample Questions

What are enzymes?

  • A. Carbohydrates that provide energy for cells
  • B. Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions
  • C. Proteins that are used up during digestion
  • D. Molecules that store genetic information
1 markfoundation

Explain the effect of increasing temperature on enzyme activity.

3 marksstandard

20

exam-style questions

25

revision flashcards

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