The enzymes of the digestive system
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Summary
The enzymes of the digestive system
In a nutshell
Enzymes play an essential role in the process of digestion. Different enzymes catalyse the breakdown of different types of food.
The enzymes of the digestive system
The digestive system has specialised cells which produce various enzymes. These enzymes catalyse the breakdown of specific molecules of food.
1. | Salivary glands | These glands produce the enzyme amylase in the saliva. |
2. | Liver | Bile is produced in the liver. Bile is a substance that neutralises stomach acid and emulsifies fat in the gut. |
3. | Stomach | The stomach has a few roles. The muscular walls of the stomach help to pummel the food. It produces pepsin, a protease enzyme that digests protein. It also produces hydrochloric acid which kills bacteria and gives the right pH for pepsin to work in. It has a pH of . |
4. | Pancreas | The pancreas produces many enzymes, including protease, amylase and lipase. These are released into the small intestine. |
5. | Gall bladder | Bile is stored in the gall bladder before being released into the small intestine. |
6. | Large intestine | The large intestine absorbs excess water from food. |
7. | Small intestine | The small intestine produces protease, amylase and lipase enzymes. This completes digestion. The digested food is absorbed out of the gut into the blood. |
8. | Rectum | Indigestible food, also known as faeces, is stored here before they pass through the anus. |
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What types of enzymes does the pancreas produce?
The pancreas produces many enzymes, including protease, amylase and lipase. These are released into the small intestine.
What enzyme do the salivary glands produce?
The salivary glands produce the enzyme amylase in the saliva.
What do enzymes do in the digestive system?
Enzymes in the digestive system catalyse the breakdown of different types of food.