Page 1: Digestive System and Enzyme Function
The page details the fundamental aspects of digestion, focusing on enzymes in the digestive system and their functions. Enzymes act as catalysts in breaking down different food molecules, with each enzyme targeting specific substrates. The digestive system's organization follows a hierarchical structure from cells to organ systems.
Definition: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body without being consumed in the process.
Example: Where is protease produced GCSE content shows that protease breaks down proteins into amino acids, while where is lipase produced GCSE material demonstrates that lipase breaks down lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.
Highlight: The optimal temperature for enzyme activity is typically around 40°C, beyond which denaturation occurs.
Vocabulary:
- Denaturation: The process where enzymes lose their shape and function due to extreme conditions
- Villi: Finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption
- Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions in living organisms
Quote: "Bile emulsifies fats and neutralizes acids, essential for proper digestion in the small intestine."
The page also covers important food tests:
- Iodine test for starch (yellow to black)
- Benedict's test for glucose (blue to brick red)
- Biuret test for proteins (blue to purple)
- Ethanol test for lipids (clear to cloudy)
The digestive system's organs are detailed, including:
- Mouth (containing teeth and tongue)
- Esophagus (food pipe)
- Stomach (produces HCl and churns food)
- Small intestine (nutrient absorption)
- Large intestine (water and salt absorption)
- Rectum (waste storage)
- Pancreas (enzyme production)
- Gall bladder (bile storage)
