What are the building blocks of carbohydrates? 2. Where does the chemical digestion of carbohydrates begin? 3. Name three (3) different sources of amylase. 4. The substrate for amylase is 5. Why were most test tubes incubated at 37 °C? 6. How was amylase denatured in this experiment? 7. Why does carbohydrate digestion slow in the stomach?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
- Building Blocks of Carbohydrates: The building blocks of carbohydrates are monosaccharides. These simple sugars include glucose, fructose, and galactose. Monosaccharides can combine to form more complex carbohydrates like disaccharides (e.g., sucrose, lactose) and polysaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen).
- Where Chemical Digestion of Carbohydrates Begins: The chemical digestion of carbohydrates begins in the mouth. Salivary amylase, an enzyme produced by the salivary glands, starts breaking down starches into simpler sugars like maltose.
- Sources of Amylase: Three sources of amylase include:
- Salivary glands: Produces salivary amylase in the mouth.
- Pancreas: Secretes pancreatic amylase into the small intestine.
- Small intestine: Enterocytes (cells lining the small intestine) produce maltase, which continues carbohydrate digestion.
- Substrate for Amylase: The substrate for amylase is starch. Amylase breaks down starch molecules into simpler sugars like maltose, which is further broken down into glucose.
- Why Test Tubes Were Incubated at 37°C: The test tubes were incubated at 37°C to simulate the temperature of the human body. This is the optimal temperature for the activity of most human enzymes, including amylase. At this temperature, amylase works most efficiently to break down carbohydrates.
- How Amylase Was Denatured in the Experiment: Amylase can be denatured by exposing it to extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or extreme pH levels. In the experiment, amylase was likely denatured by either heating it to a temperature above its optimal range (e.g., above 40°C) or by using a very acidic or basic solution, which disrupts the enzyme’s structure and function.
- Why Carbohydrate Digestion Slows in the Stomach: Carbohydrate digestion slows in the stomach because the acidic environment (low pH) in the stomach inactivates amylase. The stomach’s acidic conditions are necessary for digesting proteins, but they prevent amylase from continuing carbohydrate digestion effectively. This is why most carbohydrate digestion occurs in the mouth and small intestine.
In summary, the process of carbohydrate digestion involves multiple enzymes and stages, starting in the mouth with salivary amylase, continuing in the small intestine with pancreatic amylase, and slowing down in the stomach due to its acidic environment.