This key facts covers Key Facts: Digestive Enzymes within Enzymes in Digestion for GCSE Biology. Enzyme structure and function, digestive enzymes, factors affecting enzyme activity, lock and key model, and practical investigations It is section 2 of 19 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 2 of 19
Practice
20 questions
Recall
25 flashcards
Key Facts: Digestive Enzymes
- Amylase breaks down starch → maltose (found in saliva and pancreas)
- Pepsin breaks down proteins → amino acids (works in acidic stomach)
- Trypsin breaks down proteins → amino acids (works in alkaline small intestine)
- Lipase breaks down lipids → fatty acids + glycerol (pancreas and small intestine)
- Bile emulsifies fats and neutralizes stomach acid (not an enzyme but crucial for digestion)
- Enzymes are specific - each enzyme only works on its particular substrate
- Enzyme activity is affected by temperature, pH, and concentration