Question

Which of the following INCORRECTLY pairs the digestive hormone with its function? A. Trypsin-hydrolyzes specific peptide bonds B. Lactase-hydrolyzes lactose to glucose and galactose C. Pancreatic amylase-hydrolyzes starch to maltose D. Lipase-emulsifies fats

Short answer

Option D is incorrectly paired because Lipase breaks down fats, while bile emulsifies them.

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Function of Trypsin

Trypsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine. It hydrolyzes specific peptide bonds, so option A is correctly paired.

- Understand the Role of Lactase

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk, into glucose and galactose. Therefore, option B is correctly paired.

- Understand the Function of Pancreatic Amylase

Pancreatic amylase is an enzyme that converts starch into maltose, a simpler sugar. So, option C is correctly paired.

- Understand the Role of Lipase

Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. It does not emulsify fats; bile is responsible for emulsifying fats. Thus, option D is incorrectly paired.

Key concepts

Trypsin Function

Trypsin is a crucial digestive enzyme found in the small intestine. It specifically helps in breaking down proteins into smaller peptides. This enzyme targets specific peptide bonds, making it easier for the body to absorb amino acids—the building blocks of proteins.

Here's how it works: When you eat protein-rich foods like meat or beans, trypsin comes into play following the initial action of pepsin in the stomach. The trypsinogen, an inactive precursor released by the pancreas, is activated into trypsin by another enzyme called enterokinase in the small intestine.

Key points to remember about trypsin are:

• It hydrolyzes specific peptide bonds in proteins.
• It acts in the small intestine.
• It's activated from its precursor by enterokinase.

Understanding how trypsin works can help you appreciate its vital role in the digestive process and ensure you're pairing it correctly in related exercises.

Lactase Role

Lactase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, the sugar found in milk. This enzyme splits lactose into two simpler sugars: glucose and galactose. These simpler sugars are easily absorbed into the bloodstream, providing a quick source of energy.

Lactase is primarily produced in the small intestine. When someone has low levels of lactase, they may experience lactose intolerance, leading to digestive issues like bloating and gas when consuming dairy products.

Important aspects of lactase include:

• It hydrolyzes lactose into glucose and galactose.
• It works in the small intestine.
• Insufficient lactase levels lead to lactose intolerance.

Knowing the role and function of lactase allows for a better understanding of dietary considerations and common digestive issues related to dairy consumption.

Pancreatic Amylase Function

Pancreatic amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starch into maltose, a disaccharide. Starch is a complex carbohydrate found in foods like potatoes, rice, and bread. When you consume these foods, pancreatic amylase is secreted into the small intestine where it begins its work.

The action of pancreatic amylase is crucial because it converts large, complex starch molecules into simpler sugars that the body can easily absorb and use as energy. This is a vital step in the digestive process for anyone consuming a carbohydrate-rich diet.

Points to remember about pancreatic amylase:

• It hydrolyzes starch into maltose.
• It is secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine.
• It helps in the digestion of complex carbohydrates.

Understanding pancreatic amylase's function helps clarify why it's important in carbohydrate digestion and overall energy metabolism.

Lipase Function

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that plays a critical role in the breakdown of fats. Unlike bile, which emulsifies fats, lipase actually hydrolyzes fats into fatty acids and glycerol. This is key for the efficient absorption of fats in the small intestine.

When you consume foods high in fat, lipase is secreted by the pancreas and moves into the small intestine. There, it breaks down triglycerides into free fatty acids and monoacylglycerols, which are then absorbed by the intestinal cells.

Important details about lipase include:

• It hydrolyzes fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
• It acts in the small intestine.
• Lipase is secreted by the pancreas.

Recognizing the function of lipase helps to correct any misconceptions, such as the idea that lipase emulsifies fats, which is actually the role of bile.