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Enzymes
Enzymes are biological catalysts - catalysts are substances that increase the rate of chemical reactions without being
used up. Enzymes are proteins that are folded into complex shapes - smaller molecules fit into them. The molecules fit
in the active site.
If the shape of the enzyme changes, its active site may no longer
work. The enzyme has been denatured. They can be denatured by high temperatures or extreme pH. The enzyme has not
been killed. Enzymes are made by living things, they are proteins, and not alive.
*Lipases Catalyse the breakdown of fats and oils into fatty acids and glycerol in the small intestine.
*Proteases Catalyse the breakdown of proteins into amino acids in the stomach and small intestine.
*Amylase Catalyses the breakdown of starch into sugars in the mouth and small intestine.
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Digestion is the breakdown of large molecules into smaller, soluble molecules that can be absorbed
into the body. Digestion happens inside the gut, and relies on enzymes.
The enzymes involved in respiration, photosynthesis and protein synthesis work inside cells. Other
enzymes are produced by specialised cells and released from them; the digestive enzymes are
like this. They pass out into the gut, where they catalyse the breakdown of food molecules.