Question

Please

match terms with the phrases shown
Regarding the functions of the gastrointestinal system, match each term with the phrase that best describes or defines it an enzyme found in saliva and intestinal secretions that breaks down carbohydr

Answer 1

The gastrointestinal system uses various enzymes and organs like salivary amylase and the large intestine to break down nutrients, absorb them, and process waste. Salivary amylase breaks down starches in the mouth, while the large intestine reabsorbs water and prepares waste for elimination. The enzyme lactase is essential for the digestion of lactose in dairy products.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question relates to the gastrointestinal system and its functions. Key terms to consider include: salivary amylase, an enzyme found in saliva that initiates the breakdown of carbohydrates into maltose; lactase, an enzyme that converts lactose into glucose and galactose; and the large intestine, which reabsorbs water from undigested material and processes waste. These terms and concepts are essential to understanding how the body digests and absorbs nutrients.

In the mouth, the action of salivary amylase begins the process of chemical digestion by converting starches into simpler sugars. As food moves through the gastrointestinal tract, different enzymes and organs contribute to the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. The large intestine plays a critical role in reabsorbing water and preparing waste for elimination from the body.

Moreover, the enzyme lactase is crucial for those who consume dairy products as it helps digest the milk sugar lactose, breaking it down into glucose and galactose, which can be easily absorbed by the body.

Answer 2

Salivary amylase is the enzyme in saliva that initiates the breakdown of carbohydrates in the mouth, turning starches into the disaccharide maltose as part of the digestive process.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gastrointestinal system orchestrates the complex process of digesting food and absorbing essential nutrients, with various enzymes and organs playing crucial roles in this intricate dance. Salivary amylase stands out as a key enzyme contributing to the breakdown of carbohydrates, and it is found in both saliva and intestinal secretions.

Operating as the digestive maestro in the mouth, salivary amylase kickstarts the chemical digestion of carbohydrates. It primarily targets starches, initiating their transformation into simpler sugars. Specifically, salivary amylase catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch molecules, breaking them down into a disaccharide known as maltose.

This initial enzymatic action occurs during the chewing and mixing of food in the mouth. As the salivary amylase-laden saliva interacts with the food, starches undergo a transformation into maltose, laying the groundwork for subsequent digestion in the gastrointestinal tract.

The journey of the partially digested food continues through the stomach and into the small intestine, where the intricate symphony of digestive enzymes takes center stage. Pancreatic amylase, secreted by the pancreas, complements the work of salivary amylase, further breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars.

Ultimately, the breakdown products, including maltose and other disaccharides, undergo final digestion on the brush border of the small intestine. Enzymes like maltase convert maltose into absorbable monosaccharides such as glucose, facilitating their absorption through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream.

In essence, the action of salivary amylase serves as a crucial prelude to the extensive digestive processes that follow in the gastrointestinal system. This initial breakdown of starches into maltose prepares the way for efficient nutrient absorption in the small intestine, highlighting the orchestrated collaboration of enzymes and organs in ensuring the body extracts essential energy and nutrients from ingested food.