Final answer:
Without enzymes, the digestive process would slow down or stop, impairing the breakdown and absorption of nutrients and leading to malnutrition and health complications. Enzymes are adapted for specific functions in varying cellular environments, contributing to the entire digestive system's efficient operation.
Step-by-step explanation:
If various organs and glands did not release enzymes, the rate of digestion would be severely impacted. Enzymes are crucial for chemical digestion; they catalyze the breakdown of food into absorbable nutrients. Without them, the digestive process would be inefficient or even halt, leading to malnutrition and health issues.
In the mouth, enzymes like amylase begin the digestion of carbohydrates. In the stomach, pepsin works on proteins in an acidic environment. The pancreas releases several enzymes, including trypsin and chymotrypsin, which are activated in the small intestine to prevent damage to the pancreas itself, illustrating the body’s careful regulation of enzyme activity.
Moreover, cellular needs vary, and hence, enzyme production and functionality are tightly controlled according to the time since eating and the type of cells involved. The absence of these enzymes would also affect the immune system's ability to destroy pathogens, making a person vulnerable to infections. Age-related changes and diseases can reduce the effectiveness of enzyme release and function, affecting digestion.