D1: Homeostasis — B level

Enzymes are special protein molecules. They make chemical reactions go faster, but they are not used up in the reaction.

Enzymes in the digestive system break large food molecules apart into small, simple molecules.

Enzymes can be “denatured”. This makes them not work properly. Denaturing can happen because of many different things in the enzyme’s environment, including temperature and pH.

Check online to answer this question?:

What does denaturing actually do to an enzyme?

Here is a list of enzymes in the digestive system

Based on this list, what do you think the pH is in these places:

1. Mouth
2. Stomach
3. Small intestine

Check online to see if your answers were correct.

Explain why your body keeps the pH of the mouth, stomach and small intestine constant.