Enzymes in the Digestive System: From Mouth to Small Intestine
Let's break down the amazing journey of food through our digestive system and meet the enzyme superstars that make it all happen! These specialized proteins are crucial for breaking down complex nutrients into smaller, absorbable molecules.
Carbohydrate-Digesting Enzymes
In the Mouth
- Salivary Amylase (Ptyalin)
- Begins breaking down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars
- Works best in the slightly alkaline environment of the mouth
In the Small Intestine
- Pancreatic Amylase
- Continues breaking down starches into maltose
- Maltase
- Converts maltose into glucose molecules
- Sucrase
- Breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose
- Lactase
- Splits lactose into glucose and galactose
The stomach doesn't contain any carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, but the acidic environment helps prepare food for further digestion.
Protein-Digesting Enzymes
In the Stomach
- Pepsin
- Activated from pepsinogen by stomach acid
- Breaks down proteins into smaller peptide chains