Topic Eight (1.8): Digestive system and enzymes

Topics Icon.png Objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

  • interpret information about the commercial use of digestive enzymes.

Revision Tasks Icon.png Retrieval starter question

  • What is the definition of tissue?

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

In this topic, you will learn how enzymes are needed to speed up reactions. Enzymes are large proteins that catalyse reactions in our bodies. Examples of enzyme activity in the body include the breakdown of food within the digestive system or energy production during respiration. Enzymes are also useful in industry. They are used to make washing powder to help break down food stains!

Interact Icon.png Working through your course book

Reactivate activity - optional

Before applying your knowledge to new concepts in this topic, you can check your understanding of previous concepts. If you want to check your understanding and reactivate your knowledge, please complete this reactivate activity:

  • Read ‘Digestion’ and ‘Enzymes’ on page 38 in your Activate 3 coursebook and answer the Reactivate your knowledge questions at the top of page 42.
  • If you need to revisit enzymes, watch the video below:

  • Read pages 42-43 of your Activate 3 coursebook. 

Apply your knowledge 

You are now ready to apply your knowledge of enzymes to understand how digestive enzymes break down food and how they can be used commercially. Watch this Revision Monkey video to review digestive enzymes (you may remember watching it in Year 7 Science!) 

  • Read pages 41-42 in your Activate 3 coursebook.
  • Complete Summary questions 1-6 on page 43 of your Activate 3 coursebook.
  • Your practical for this module is about enzymes in yeast - you could complete this now.

COMPLETE - (Question 2) Biology 3 Vocab Builder 2 (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.

Stretch Icon.png Extension activities for this topic

Answer Summary questions 4 a-d on page 53 in your Activate 3 coursebook.

Download Icon.png Check your answers

CHECK - Topic question answers - Module One (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

CHECK - Student Book Answers – B3 Chapter 1 (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]