Describe the functions of amylase, maltase, protease and lipase, listing the substrates and endproducts, limited to: (a) amylase breaks down starch to maltose (b) maltase breaks down maltose to glucose (c) protease (pepsin and trypsin) breaks down protein to amino acids (d) lipase breaks down lipids to fatty acids and glycerol

Sourav PanNovember 2, 2024

Answered

Here’s a detailed description of the functions of amylase, maltase, protease (including pepsin and trypsin), and lipase, including their substrates and end products:

1. Amylase

• Function: Amylase is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of starch into simpler sugars.
• Substrate: Starch (a polysaccharide).
• End Product: Maltose (a disaccharide).
• Location:
  • Salivary amylase is produced in the salivary glands and acts in the mouth.
  • Pancreatic amylase is produced in the pancreas and acts in the small intestine.

2. Maltase

• Function: Maltase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of maltose into glucose.
• Substrate: Maltose (a disaccharide).
• End Product: Glucose (a monosaccharide).
• Location: Maltase is produced in the small intestine and acts on maltose formed from starch digestion.

3. Protease (Pepsin and Trypsin)

• Function: Proteases are enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of proteins into smaller peptides and ultimately into amino acids.
  • Pepsin:
    • Substrate: Proteins (polypeptides).
    • End Products: Smaller peptides and amino acids.
    • Location: Pepsin is produced in the stomach as pepsinogen (an inactive form) and activated by gastric acid.
  • Trypsin:
    • Substrate: Proteins (polypeptides).
    • End Products: Smaller peptides and amino acids.
    • Location: Trypsin is produced in the pancreas as trypsinogen (an inactive form) and activated in the small intestine.

4. Lipase

• Function: Lipase is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of lipids (fats) into fatty acids and glycerol.
• Substrate: Lipids (triglycerides).
• End Products: Fatty acids and glycerol.
• Location:
  • Gastric lipase is secreted in the stomach.
  • Pancreatic lipase is produced in the pancreas and acts in the small intestine, where bile salts emulsify fats to enhance lipase activity.

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