JCu _ ENzymes

What enzyme helps break down starches into sugars in your mouth?

• Lipase

• Pepsin

• Amylase

• Protease

Answer explanation

Amylase is the enzyme in saliva that breaks down starches into sugars, initiating the digestion process in the mouth. Lipase digests fats, pepsin breaks down proteins in the stomach, and protease also targets proteins.

Pepsin is an enzyme that mainly breaks down:

• Proteins

• Sugars

• Fats

• Vitamins

Answer explanation

Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that specifically breaks down proteins into smaller peptides, making 'Proteins' the correct answer. It does not act on sugars, fats, or vitamins.

Which part of your body produces saliva that has enzymes to start digestion?

• Stomach

• Liver

• Salivary glands

• Large intestine

Answer explanation

The salivary glands produce saliva, which contains enzymes like amylase that begin the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth. This makes the salivary glands the correct answer.

Lipase is an enzyme that helps digest which nutrient?

• Carbohydrates

• Fats

• Proteins

• Vitamins

Answer explanation

Lipase is an enzyme specifically responsible for breaking down fats into fatty acids and glycerol, making 'Fats' the correct answer. It does not digest carbohydrates, proteins, or vitamins.

Which enzyme breaks down milk sugar called lactose?

• Protease

• Lactase

• Amylase

• Pepsin

Answer explanation

Lactase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, the sugar found in milk. Without lactase, lactose cannot be digested properly, leading to lactose intolerance.

Where does most of the digestion and enzyme action happen in your body?

• Esophagus

• Large intestine

• Small intestine

• Mouth

Answer explanation

Most digestion and enzyme action occur in the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed and enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver aid in breaking down food.

What is the function of enzymes in digestion?

• To cool down your food

• To absorb nutrients directly

• To speed up the breakdown of food

• To store food

Answer explanation

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up the breakdown of food into smaller molecules, making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients. Therefore, the correct function of enzymes in digestion is to speed up the breakdown of food.

Which enzyme in your stomach works best in acidic (sour) conditions?

• Pepsin

• Amylase

• Lactase

• Lipase

Answer explanation

Pepsin is the enzyme in the stomach that works best in acidic conditions, specifically at a pH of around 1.5 to 2. It is responsible for breaking down proteins into peptides, making it essential for digestion.

Protease enzymes help digest:

• Bread

• Apples

• Chicken

• Rice

Answer explanation

Protease enzymes specifically break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. Chicken, being a protein-rich food, is effectively digested by proteases, unlike bread, apples, or rice, which are primarily carbohydrates.

What enzyme is missing in people who cannot digest milk easily?

• Lipase

• Lactase

• Pepsin

• Amylase

Answer explanation

People who cannot digest milk easily lack the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk. Without lactase, lactose remains undigested, leading to discomfort.