What are the enzymes produced in small intestine?
The small intestine is a major site for the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. It produces several enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into smaller molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. These enzymes include:
1. Amylase: This enzyme breaks down carbohydrates, such as starches, into smaller sugars, such as glucose.
2. Lipase: This enzyme breaks down fats, such as triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids.
3. Proteases: These enzymes break down proteins into amino acids. Some of the proteases produced in the small intestine include:
- Trypsin
- Chymotrypsin
- Elastase
- Peptidases
4. Nucleases: These enzymes break down nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, into nucleotides.
5. Disaccharidases: These enzymes break down disaccharides, which are sugars made up of two monosaccharides, into monosaccharides. Some of the disaccharidases produced in the small intestine include:
- Maltase
- Sucrase
- Lactase
6. Enteropeptidase: This enzyme activates trypsin, which then activates the other proteases in the small intestine.