OrganisationTopic Summary

Knowledge Organiser

Part of Enzymes in DigestionGCSE Biology

This topic summary covers Knowledge Organiser 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 18 of 19 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 18 of 19

Practice

20 questions

Recall

25 flashcards

Knowledge Organiser

Key Terms
  • Enzyme — biological catalyst; protein; not used up
  • Active site — specific shape; complementary to substrate
  • Substrate — molecule that fits the active site
  • Denaturation — permanent shape change of active site
  • Optimum — conditions giving fastest reaction rate
  • Emulsification — bile breaks large fat droplets into smaller ones
Must-Know Facts
  • Amylase: starch to maltose; found in mouth (saliva) and pancreas; optimum pH 7
  • Pepsin: proteins to amino acids; found in stomach; optimum pH 1.5
  • Trypsin: proteins to amino acids; found in small intestine; optimum pH 8.5
  • Lipase: lipids to fatty acids and glycerol; pancreas and small intestine; optimum pH 8
  • Bile: produced by liver, stored in gall bladder, released into duodenum; NOT an enzyme
  • Bile functions: emulsifies fats (increases surface area for lipase) AND neutralises stomach acid
  • High temperature above optimum = denaturation (irreversible)
  • Low temperature = fewer collisions, slower rate (reversible)
  • Rate of reaction = amount of product formed ÷ time taken

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Enzymes in Digestion. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Enzymes in Digestion

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

Quick Recall Flashcards

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

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