How do enzymes work in the stomach?

Enzymes in the stomach work by breaking down food into smaller, more manageable molecules for digestion.

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body without being consumed in the process. In the stomach, these enzymes play a crucial role in the digestion of food. They break down large, complex food molecules into smaller, simpler ones that can be easily absorbed by the body. This process is known as hydrolysis, a reaction in which water is used to break down a compound.

The primary enzyme in the stomach is pepsin. Pepsin is a protease enzyme, meaning it breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. It is produced in an inactive form, called pepsinogen, by the stomach lining. The acidic environment of the stomach activates pepsinogen into pepsin. This is a clever mechanism to prevent the enzyme from digesting the very cells that produce it.

Another important enzyme in the stomach is gastric lipase, which breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. This enzyme works best in an acidic environment, which is provided by the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. The acid not only provides the right pH for the enzyme to function but also kills bacteria in the food, providing a first line of defence against infection.

In summary, enzymes in the stomach work to break down food into smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed by the body. They are adapted to work in the acidic environment of the stomach and are crucial for the digestion of proteins and fats.