A protein that aids in the acceleration of metabolism, or the chemical events that take place in our bodies, is referred to as an enzyme. Some chemicals are synthesised, whereas others are demolished or deconstructed. Enzymes are found in all living creatures, including bacteria. Enzymes are produced by our bodies on a normal basis. However, enzymes can be found in a variety of goods, including food.

During digestion, large insoluble food molecules are broken down into smaller water-soluble food molecules, allowing them to be absorbed by the watery blood plasma.

Occasionally, these tiny molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream by specific organisms after passing through the small intestine. Throughout all of this processing, the digestive system/tract performs an extremely important function. The digestive tract is a long, tube-like structure that begins at the mouth and finishes in the large intestine, and is made up of several organs.

Types Of Digestive Enzymes and their Functions

Three types of Digestive Enzymes are found in our bodies, and they are all important.

• Amylase Enzymes: Amylase enzymes are responsible for the breakdown of starches and carbs into sugars.
• Protease Enzyme: This enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of proteins into amino acids.
• Lipase Enzyme: Glycerol and fatty acids are produced by the breakdown of lipids, which are fats and oils, by the Lipase Enzyme.
• Nuclease Enzyme: Nuclease enzymes are responsible for the breakdown of nucleic acid into nucleotides.

The function of Digestive Enzymes and Their Secretion Sites:

Mouth

1. Lipase Enzyme: Lipase is an enzyme that activates the digestion of lipids and fats in the mouth.
2. Amylase: Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth as well. Complex carbohydrates are broken down into smaller chains or even simple sugars by the enzyme amylase, which is generated by the salivary glands. It is referred to as ptyalin in some circles.
3. Lysozyme: When a food contains non-essential nutrients, such as bacteria or viruses, it serves as an antibacterial agent, preventing the spread of disease.

Stomach

1. Pepsin: It is produced by the stomach cells known as “chief cells.” Pepsinogen is subsequently converted into its active form, known as pepsin, by the stomach’s digestive enzymes.

Function: Its function is to aid in the breakdown of protein in the diet into smaller particles known as peptides and amino acids. Its primary function is to aid in the digestion of dietary fats that are present in our stomachs.

1. Hydrochloric Acid (HCL): It aids in the denaturant of ingested proteins as well as the killing of any bacteria and viruses that may have remained in the food. It also aids in the activation of pepsinogen, which allows it to convert into pepsin.

Intrinsic Factor

The intrinsic factor is a substance produced by the parietal cells of the stomach, and it has no known function. When it comes to micronutrient transformation and absorption, it is on its own.

1. Mucin: Mucin is a very acidic substance found in nature that eliminates a variety of bacteria and viruses found in food.
2. Gastrin: Gastrin is a hormone that is produced by the G-cell of the stomach, and it is primarily an endocrine hormone that affects the digestive system. It induces the generation of HCL by parietal cells, as well as the creation of many intrinsic factors.

Enzymes produced by the small intestine

Several digestive enzymes are produced by the small intestine, the most notable of which are: A hormone produced by the duodenal S type cell in response to a decrease in the acidity of gastric chyme, secretin is an important neuroendocrine hormone in the body. When the duodenal “I cells” encounter chyme that contains high fat or protein content, they release a unique peptide known as cholecystokinin (CCK). 

• Cholecystokinin (CCK) is an anti-inflammatory compound.
•  It also causes gallbladder contraction, resulting in the discharge of pre-stored bile into the cystic duct, and subsequently into the common bile duct and into the second anatomic position of the duodenum via the ampulla of Vater, which is a branch of the duodenum.
• Stomach Inhibitory Peptide (GIP) is a type of peptide that is produced by the mucosal cells of the duodenum and has the effect of decreasing gastric motility.

Conclusion

Enzymes that aid in the digestion of food are referred to as digestive enzymes. 

Their secretion (release) is regulated by the salivary glands, which are located in the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine, among other organs. They accomplish this by breaking down the big, complicated molecules that makeup proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids into smaller, simpler components. This facilitates the absorption of nutrients from these foods into the bloodstream and their distribution throughout the body. Aside from that, our digestive tract has a large number of digestive enzymes that aid in the digesting process and make digestion easier overall. Digestive enzymes aid in the breakdown of complex foods into simpler forms and these digestive enzymes are produced by various organs and tissues throughout the body, including the digestive system.