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Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
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Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
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2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
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Biology
9 Dec 2025
439
34 pages
s @s16
Understanding how your digestive system breaks down food is crucial for biology exams and helps explain what happens... Show more
Your body produces digestive enzymes in several key locations, each specialised for breaking down different nutrients. Amylase, which breaks down starch, is produced in your pancreas, salivary glands, and small intestine - giving your body multiple opportunities to tackle carbohydrates.
The pancreas is particularly busy, producing amylase, lipase, and protease. Meanwhile, maltase has a unique location - it's actually produced in the cell membranes of epithelial cells lining the small intestine.
Key Tip Remember that enzymes are often produced in multiple locations to ensure thorough digestion throughout your digestive tract.
Hydrolysis is the fundamental process behind all digestion - it's simply breaking chemical bonds by adding water. This might sound basic, but it's absolutely essential for survival.
The importance of digestion becomes clear when you realise that large food molecules are useless to your body until they're broken down. Digestion hydrolyses these large molecules into smaller ones that can actually move across cell membranes and be absorbed into your bloodstream.
Without this process, even the most nutritious meal would pass straight through you without providing any energy or nutrients.
You might wonder why your body can't just use one super-enzyme for everything. The answer lies in enzyme specificity - each enzyme has a unique tertiary structure that creates a specific active site.
This active site is complementary to only one specific substrate. Think of it like a lock and key - only the right substrate will fit and form an enzyme-substrate complex. This is why you need different enzymes for carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
Exam Focus This enzyme-substrate specificity is a favourite exam topic, so make sure you understand the lock-and-key model thoroughly.
Amylase secretion happens in your mouth (from salivary glands) and small intestine, starting carbohydrate digestion the moment you start chewing. This early start gives your body maximum time to break down complex starches.
Digestive glands have one primary role producing digestive juices packed with enzymes. The two main types you need to know are pancreatic glands and salivary glands, both working hard to keep your digestion running smoothly.
These glands are essentially your body's chemical factories, constantly producing the enzymes needed to extract nutrients from everything you eat.
Lipase production occurs in your pancreas and small intestine, targeting fats and oils in your diet. Protease production happens in three locations stomach, pancreas, and small intestine, ensuring proteins are thoroughly broken down.
This distribution isn't random - your stomach's acidic environment is perfect for beginning protein breakdown, while your small intestine provides the ideal conditions for completing the process.
Understanding these locations helps explain why digestive problems in different organs cause specific symptoms and why your digestive system is so effective at extracting nutrients.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
15
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore key concepts in AQA Biology Paper 1, including the structure and function of the digestive and circulatory systems, the role of pathogens and vaccines, and the process of mitosis. This summary covers essential topics such as enzyme action, photosynthesis factors, and cell organelles, providing a comprehensive overview for effective revision. Ideal for students aiming for grades 7-9.
BiologyExplore the key processes of human digestion, including the roles of enzymes, nutrient absorption, and the importance of a balanced diet. This summary covers the digestive organs, their functions, and the impact of nutrition on health, ideal for Year 8 students preparing for their end-of-topic test.
BiologyComprehensive summaries covering all key topics for AQA Biology Paper 1, including gas exchange systems, cell structure, cardiovascular diseases, photosynthesis, and the immune response. Ideal for Year 10/11 students preparing for exams.
BiologyExplore the characteristics and classifications of living organisms in this concise summary of IGCSE Edexcel Biology Unit 1. Covering eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and pathogens, this resource highlights key concepts such as cell structure, functions of living organisms, and examples of various organisms. Ideal for quick revision and understanding of biological diversity.
BiologyExplore the intricate processes of digestion and enzyme action in this comprehensive study note. Covering key concepts such as macromolecules, enzyme-substrate interactions, and the role of digestive enzymes, this resource is essential for understanding nutrient absorption and biochemical reactions. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for exams.
BiologyExplore the key concepts of essential nutrients including proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. This comprehensive summary covers their structures, functions, and tests for identification, along with the role of vitamins and minerals in human nutrition. Ideal for biology students seeking to understand macronutrients and their impact on health.
BiologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
s
@s16
Understanding how your digestive system breaks down food is crucial for biology exams and helps explain what happens to every meal you eat. This summary covers the key enzymes, where they're made, and how they work together to turn your... Show more
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Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Your body produces digestive enzymes in several key locations, each specialised for breaking down different nutrients. Amylase, which breaks down starch, is produced in your pancreas, salivary glands, and small intestine - giving your body multiple opportunities to tackle carbohydrates.
The pancreas is particularly busy, producing amylase, lipase, and protease. Meanwhile, maltase has a unique location - it's actually produced in the cell membranes of epithelial cells lining the small intestine.
Key Tip: Remember that enzymes are often produced in multiple locations to ensure thorough digestion throughout your digestive tract.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Hydrolysis is the fundamental process behind all digestion - it's simply breaking chemical bonds by adding water. This might sound basic, but it's absolutely essential for survival.
The importance of digestion becomes clear when you realise that large food molecules are useless to your body until they're broken down. Digestion hydrolyses these large molecules into smaller ones that can actually move across cell membranes and be absorbed into your bloodstream.
Without this process, even the most nutritious meal would pass straight through you without providing any energy or nutrients.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
You might wonder why your body can't just use one super-enzyme for everything. The answer lies in enzyme specificity - each enzyme has a unique tertiary structure that creates a specific active site.
This active site is complementary to only one specific substrate. Think of it like a lock and key - only the right substrate will fit and form an enzyme-substrate complex. This is why you need different enzymes for carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
Exam Focus: This enzyme-substrate specificity is a favourite exam topic, so make sure you understand the lock-and-key model thoroughly.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Amylase secretion happens in your mouth (from salivary glands) and small intestine, starting carbohydrate digestion the moment you start chewing. This early start gives your body maximum time to break down complex starches.
Digestive glands have one primary role: producing digestive juices packed with enzymes. The two main types you need to know are pancreatic glands and salivary glands, both working hard to keep your digestion running smoothly.
These glands are essentially your body's chemical factories, constantly producing the enzymes needed to extract nutrients from everything you eat.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Lipase production occurs in your pancreas and small intestine, targeting fats and oils in your diet. Protease production happens in three locations: stomach, pancreas, and small intestine, ensuring proteins are thoroughly broken down.
This distribution isn't random - your stomach's acidic environment is perfect for beginning protein breakdown, while your small intestine provides the ideal conditions for completing the process.
Understanding these locations helps explain why digestive problems in different organs cause specific symptoms and why your digestive system is so effective at extracting nutrients.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
15
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore key concepts in AQA Biology Paper 1, including the structure and function of the digestive and circulatory systems, the role of pathogens and vaccines, and the process of mitosis. This summary covers essential topics such as enzyme action, photosynthesis factors, and cell organelles, providing a comprehensive overview for effective revision. Ideal for students aiming for grades 7-9.
BiologyExplore the key processes of human digestion, including the roles of enzymes, nutrient absorption, and the importance of a balanced diet. This summary covers the digestive organs, their functions, and the impact of nutrition on health, ideal for Year 8 students preparing for their end-of-topic test.
BiologyComprehensive summaries covering all key topics for AQA Biology Paper 1, including gas exchange systems, cell structure, cardiovascular diseases, photosynthesis, and the immune response. Ideal for Year 10/11 students preparing for exams.
BiologyExplore the characteristics and classifications of living organisms in this concise summary of IGCSE Edexcel Biology Unit 1. Covering eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and pathogens, this resource highlights key concepts such as cell structure, functions of living organisms, and examples of various organisms. Ideal for quick revision and understanding of biological diversity.
BiologyExplore the intricate processes of digestion and enzyme action in this comprehensive study note. Covering key concepts such as macromolecules, enzyme-substrate interactions, and the role of digestive enzymes, this resource is essential for understanding nutrient absorption and biochemical reactions. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for exams.
BiologyExplore the key concepts of essential nutrients including proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. This comprehensive summary covers their structures, functions, and tests for identification, along with the role of vitamins and minerals in human nutrition. Ideal for biology students seeking to understand macronutrients and their impact on health.
BiologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology