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What factors impact enzyme activity within the digestive system? - Coggle…
What factors impact enzyme activity within the digestive system?
Factors
PH level
Enzymes typically work optimally within specific pH ranges, and changes in pH can significantly affect their activity.
Substrate Concentration
The amount of substrate available for enzyme binding can influence the rate of enzyme activity.
Heat
Enzyme activity is often temperature-dependent, with optimal activity occurring within a certain temperature range. Extreme temperatures can denature enzymes, rendering them ineffective.
Presence of Inhibitors/Activators
Certain molecules can either enhance (activators) or inhibit (inhibitors) enzyme activity.
Co-factors and Co-enzymes
Some enzymes require additional non-protein molecules for proper function.
Activation Energy
While Enzymes are typically utilised by the body to lower the activation energy in a chemical reaction, a certain threshold of energy is necessary to carry out the reaction.
Genetic Factors
Variations in genes encoding digestive enzymes can influence their effectiveness.
Enzyme Activity
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions in living organisms. In the context of digestion, enzymes break down large molecules into smaller ones, aiding in the absorption of nutrients.
Types of enzymes in digestion
Lipases
e.g. pancreatic lipase, assist in lipid digestion by breaking down triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol, facilitating fat absorption
Nucleases
pancreatic ribonuclease and deoxyribonuclease, are responsible for digesting nucleic acids, cleaving RNA and DNA into nucleotides
Proteases
e.g pepsin and trypsin, specialize in breaking down proteins into peptides and amino acids, aiding in protein digestion.
amylases
e.g. salivary and pancreatic amylase, target carbohydrates, catalyzing the hydrolysis of starch and glycogen into simple sugars like glucose and maltose
Digestive System
What is the digestive system?
The digestive system is a long, twisting tube that starts at the mouth and goes through the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and ends at the anus. The digestive system breaks down food into simple nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Organs in the digestive system that utilise enzymes
Salivary Glands
Pancreas
Intestines
Stomach