Enzymes Involved in Digestion to Know for Anatomy and Physiology II

Enzymes play a vital role in digestion, breaking down food into absorbable nutrients. Understanding these enzymes, like amylase and pepsin, helps connect digestion to overall body function, highlighting their importance in Anatomy and Physiology II.

1. Amylase

   • Breaks down starches into simpler sugars (maltose and dextrin).
   • Secreted by salivary glands (salivary amylase) and pancreas (pancreatic amylase).
   • Functions optimally at a neutral pH in the small intestine.

2. Pepsin

   • Initiates protein digestion by breaking down proteins into peptides.
   • Activated from its inactive form, pepsinogen, in the acidic environment of the stomach.
   • Functions best at a low pH (around 1.5 to 2).

3. Lipase

   • Responsible for the digestion of fats (lipids) into fatty acids and glycerol.
   • Secreted by the pancreas and works in the small intestine.
   • Requires bile salts for optimal activity, which emulsify fats.

4. Trypsin

   • Continues protein digestion by breaking down peptides into smaller peptides.
   • Activated from trypsinogen in the small intestine by the enzyme enterokinase.
   • Functions optimally at a slightly alkaline pH (around 7.5 to 8.5).

5. Chymotrypsin

   • Further digests proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids.
   • Activated from chymotrypsinogen in the small intestine by trypsin.
   • Works best in an alkaline environment, similar to trypsin.

6. Peptidase

   • Breaks down peptides into individual amino acids.
   • Includes various types such as dipeptidases and tripeptidases.
   • Found in the brush border of the small intestine, facilitating absorption.

7. Nuclease

   • Digests nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) into nucleotides.
   • Secreted by the pancreas and acts in the small intestine.
   • Essential for the breakdown of genetic material for absorption.

8. Maltase

   • Converts maltose into two glucose molecules.
   • Located in the brush border of the small intestine.
   • Plays a crucial role in carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption.

9. Lactase

   • Breaks down lactose (milk sugar) into glucose and galactose.
   • Found in the brush border of the small intestine.
   • Essential for lactose digestion; deficiency can lead to lactose intolerance.

10. Sucrase

    • Converts sucrose (table sugar) into glucose and fructose.
    • Located in the brush border of the small intestine.
    • Important for carbohydrate digestion, especially in diets high in sugar.