Questions and Answers
What is the function of amylase?
Break down starches.
What effect does pH have on amylase?
Too low or too high causes the enzyme to stop working; denature amylase.
What effect do bacteria have on cellulose?
Cellulose cannot be digested without cellulase.
What is the effect of amylase on cellulose?
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What is pepsin?
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What is the function of pepsin?
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What is the effect of pH on pepsin?
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What is the function of lipase?
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What is the function of bile salts?
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What is the effect of pH on lipase and bile salts?
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Study Notes
Amylase
- Amylase functions to break down starches into simpler sugars.
- Optimal pH for amylase activity is critical; extreme pH levels cause denaturation and loss of function.
Cellulase and Cellulose
- Cellulose requires cellulase for digestion; animals like ruminants cannot produce cellulase.
- Symbiotic bacteria enable these animals to digest cellulose by synthesizing cellulase.
Amylase and Cellulose
- Amylase has no effect on cellulose as it targets 1-4 alpha glucose links, while cellulose has 1-4 beta links.
- Despite both being glucose polymers, only starch is digestible by amylase.
Pepsin
- Pepsin is a digestive enzyme derived from pepsinogen, activated by hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
- Once activated, pepsin breaks down proteins into polypeptides, not fully into amino acids.
pH and Pepsin Function
- Optimal pH for pepsin is between 1.5 and 2.0, with activity diminishing past pH 4.0 due to denaturation.
- Pepsin can undergo autolysis at higher pH levels; storing at pH 11.0 causes loss of activity.
Lipase
- Lipase enzymes break down lipids into glycerol and fatty acids, facilitating lipid digestion.
Bile Salts
- Bile salts, produced in the liver, emulsify fats into smaller globules, enhancing lipid digestion.
- They also play a role in maintaining an alkaline environment necessary for effective lipid digestion through hydrolysis.
Bile Salts and pH
- More bile salts lead to a higher starting pH, while less bile results in lower pH levels.
- Bile salts act as buffers; increased amounts stabilize alkaline pH, while less bile permits easier pH drops.
- Increased bile leads to smaller oil droplets, enhancing breakdown and consequently lowering pH.
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Description
This quiz focuses on key concepts related to amylase, its function, and the effects of pH and bacteria on digestion. Ideal for students preparing for an Anatomy & Physiology lab practical. Test your knowledge and understanding of these crucial biological processes.