Digestive enzymes

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes (/daɪˈdʒɛstɪv ˈɛnzaɪmz/) are a group of enzymes that break down polymeric macromolecules into their smaller building blocks, in order to facilitate their absorption by the body.

Etymology

The term "digestive enzyme" is derived from the Latin words "digestus", meaning to divide or dissolve, and "enzyme", which is derived from the Greek words "en" (in) and "zymē" (leaven).

Types of Digestive Enzymes

There are three main types of digestive enzymes:

Proteases (/ˈproʊtiˌeɪz/): These enzymes break down proteins into amino acids. They are produced in the stomach and pancreas.
Amylases (/ˈæmɪˌleɪz/): These enzymes break down carbohydrates into simple sugars. They are produced in the salivary glands and pancreas.
Lipases (/ˈlaɪpeɪz/): These enzymes break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. They are produced in the pancreas.

Function

Digestive enzymes are essential for the body to absorb nutrients from the food we eat. They are secreted by different parts of the digestive system, including the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. Each type of enzyme breaks down a specific type of food.

Related Terms

Enzyme (/ˈɛnzaɪm/): A protein that acts as a biological catalyst.
Macromolecule (/ˌmakroʊˈmɒlɪkjuːl/): A large complex molecule, such as a protein, carbohydrate, lipid, or nucleic acid.
Pancreas (/ˈpæŋkriəs/): A glandular organ in the digestive system and endocrine system of vertebrates.
Stomach (/ˈstʌmək/): The organ where the major part of digestion occurs.