much easier and quicker for chemical reactions to take place. Like a wrench, enzymes can
also be used over and over again. But you need the appropriate size and shape of the wrench
to efficiently tighten the bolt, just like each enzyme is specific for the reaction it helps.
Figure 17.11: Turning a bolt with a wrench is easier and quicker than trying to turn a bolt
with your fingers. How is a wrench like an enzyme? ( 13 )
Digestive enzymes are secreted by the organs of the digestive system. Examples of digestive
enzymes are:
- Amylase is produced by the mouth. It helps break down large starches molecules into
smaller sugar molecules. - Pepsin is produced by the stomach. Pepsin is a protease; it helps break down proteins
into amino acids. - Trypsin is produced in the pancreas. Trypsin is a protease; it cleaves peptide chains.
- Pancreatic lipase is secreted by the pancreas. It is a lipase, used to break apart fats.
- Deoxyribonuclease and ribonuclease are nucleases secreted by the pancreas. They are
enzymes that break bonds in nucleic acid backbones.
Bile saltsare bile acids whose main function is to facilitate the processing of dietary fat.
Bile acids are made in the liver. Upon eating a meal, the contents of the gallbladder are