Mechanical and chemical digestion

Chewing

Swallowing

Muscles squeezing

An enzyme is a protein that speeds up a chemical reaction.

Enzymes work in the digestive system

Amylase breaks down carbohydrates

Protease breaks down proteins

Lipase breaks down fats

Like a key in a lock, enzymes help large molecules break into smaller usable pieces

Enzymes react with food to separate larger chains of molecules

Saliva in the mouth

Stomach Acid

SMALL INTESTINE (enzymes from liver, pancreas, and small intestine)

Amino acids, peptides and glucose are absorbed in the small intestine

Micro-villi absorb simple molecules and send them to the bloodstream

The bloodstream delivers the nutritients to the cells for use as energy

Occurs in SMALL INTESTINE