Enzymes

Definition

Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in the body without being consumed. They play a crucial role in digestion and metabolism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Enzymes are proteins that facilitate the breakdown of macronutrients like carbohydrates.
2. Amylase is an enzyme specifically involved in breaking down starches into sugars.
3. Enzyme activity can be influenced by factors such as pH, temperature, and substrate concentration.
4. Deficiency or malfunction of digestive enzymes can lead to nutritional disorders and malabsorption.
5. Enzymes have specific active sites where substrates bind, leading to a catalytic reaction.

Review Questions

• What role do enzymes play in the digestion of carbohydrates?
• How does amylase contribute to carbohydrate metabolism?
• What factors can affect enzyme activity in the human body?

Related terms

Amylase:

An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into sugars.

Catalyst: A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent change.

Substrate: The substance on which an enzyme acts during a biochemical reaction.