nutrition and digestion key words

definitions

benedict's

the reagent used for testing for reducing sugars

iodine

the reagent used to test for starch

biuret

the reagent used to test for protein

ethanol

the reagent used to test for fat

enzymes

proteins that are biological catalysts which speed up the rate of reactions

carbohydrase

the enzyme that speeds up the digestion of carbohydrates into glucose

amylase

a type of carbohydrase specifically for starch

lipase

the enzyme that speeds up the breakdown of fats into glycerol and fatty acids

protease

the enzyme that speed up the break down of proteins into amino acids

lock and key model

formed when substrate fits tightly into the active site

enzyme-substrate complex

formed when the correct substrate fits into the specific shape of the enzyme's active site

inhibitors

molecules that fit into an enzyme's active site but are not broken down

denatured

irreversible change of to the shape of an enzyme's active site that inhibits enzyme activity. It an be caused by too high temperature or the wrong pH

thermostable

enzymes that work at a wide range of temperatures

digestion

the breakdown of large insoluble molecules into small soluble molecules that are absorbed in the ileum from the gut into the blood

villi

finger-like shapes found in the ileum which are adapted to absorb digested food efficiently with their single layer of surface cells, extensive capillary network (good blood supply) and presence of lacteals