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The way in which enzymes work is extremely


complicated, so we use models to think
about them
tne wav somethins oenavls. n mooer aoouioig"stive
f"t""r:iJiliii:'ffJil:iresent enzymes
o enzymes break down large molecutes into smaller ones
o enzymes do not get used up as they carry out their tasks
. enzymes change shape as they work
o each enzyme onry works on one particurar type of morecure
o digestive enzymes break the links (bonds
) between atoms in larger molecules.
One.,model imagines that digestive
enzymes Another model imagines that digestive
act like pairs of scissors, cutling througn
the enzymes are like spanners twisting nuts
connections that hold the molecule togletner.

w
off bolts.

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1 a What do digestive enzymes do?
b Why are they needed?
2 a what are the strengths of the scissors moder of enzyme action?
b What are this model's weak points?
3 a what are the strengths of the spanner modet of enzyme action?
b What are this model's weak points?
4 tvpes of enzvmes used in the digestion of food.
lrfi::t#lls::"tt Exptain why so many

5 a Enzymes are affected by temperature.


Each different type of enzyme has a certain
temperature that it works besi at. This.is
uecausl i"ril"rrtrre change affects the shape of
an enzyme' and this affects how well it
can fit onto a molecule.
- Which model would be
better to represent this effect? Explain your
reasoning.
b Draw four squares linked end-to-end
with straight lines. This represents a food molecule.
drawing,
vour and draw other food motJcrr;;1; exptain
*:l-:" how digestive enzymes

.'" :USe a mOdeltO show howenzymes work

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