Final answer:
Digestive enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis of nutrients during digestion and are produced by glands and cells throughout the digestive system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Specific enzymes are responsible for catalyzing the hydrolysis of molecules during digestion. These digestive enzymes are produced by different parts of the digestive system including salivary glands, the stomach, the small intestine, and by exocrine cells in the pancreas. For example, amylases break down carbohydrates, proteases and hydrochloric acid break down proteins, and lipases handle the breakdown of lipids.
Enzymes are vital as they speed up biochemical reactions necessary for digestion. They are produced by living cells and each enzyme is specific to its substrate, working as an organic catalyst. Enzymes ensure the efficient breakdown of food into smaller molecules which are then absorbed by the body, enabling cellular functions and providing energy.