Role of enzymes in our digestive system explain define all enzymes sec...
Role of enzymes in digestive system
Like all catalysts, enzymes increase the rate of chemical reactions by lowering the amount of energy needed to initiate a particular reaction. The digestive system produces numerous enzymes to facilitate the biochemical reactions that transform ordinary food into the substances that nourish human life.
The most commonly known digestive enzymes are secreted from the pancreas into the stomach and small intestine. Each enzyme is specific to a particular compound, which it can break down or synthesize. The three most important enzymes for digestion are protease, amylase, and lipase.
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Role of enzymes in our digestive system explain define all enzymes sec...
Role of Enzymes in Digestive System
Enzymes play a crucial role in our digestive system by breaking down food into smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed by the body. They help in the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, allowing the nutrients to be utilized for energy, growth, and repair.
Types of Enzymes in the Body
- Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates into sugars like glucose.
- Protease: Helps in breaking down proteins into amino acids.
- Lipase: Digests fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
- Lactase: Breaks down lactose, a sugar found in dairy products.
- Pepsin: Aids in digesting proteins in the stomach.
- Trypsin: Acts on proteins in the small intestine.
- Chymotrypsin: Also helps in protein digestion.
Secretion of Enzymes
These enzymes are secreted by various glands in the body, such as the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. For example, amylase is secreted in saliva to start the breakdown of carbohydrates, while protease and lipase are secreted by the pancreas to continue the digestion process in the small intestine.
In conclusion, enzymes are essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption in our body. Their precise functions and secretion at different stages of digestion ensure that the food we eat is effectively broken down and utilized by our body for various physiological processes.
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