Question

What is the function of the digestive enzyme?

Answer 1

Hint: Enzymes are biological molecules (typically proteins) that dramatically speed up the rate of all the chemical reactions that happen within the cells of the body. In other words, they specifically act as biological catalysts (biocatalysts); they assist the reactions and make them more efficient.

Step by step answer: Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down larger molecules like fats, proteins and carbs into smaller molecules that are easier to soak up across the small intestine. Without sufficient digestive enzymes, the body is unable to digest food particles properly, which can cause food intolerance. Digestive enzymes are a nothing but a division of enzymes that break down polymeric macromolecules into their smaller and simpler constituent monomeric units. These enzymes are typically found within the digestive tracts of animals (including humans) and within the tracts of carnivorous plants, where they aid the digestion of food. Digestive enzymes are classified on the basis of their target substrates: Lipases split fatty acids to simpler fats and oils, proteases and peptidases split proteins into smaller peptones and amino acids, Amylases are known to split carbohydrates like starch and sugars into simple sugars like glucose, and the last category i.e. Nucleases split nucleic acids into nucleosides and nucleotides.

Note: It is important to note that if the digestive enzymes are not secreted in a proper amount then the physiology of the body might get affected. In such cases, many forms of digestive enzymes can be taken up as supplements with proper consultations from doctors.