Enzymes work in various locations within the body and cells, depending on their specific functions:
- Digestive system: Enzymes are active in the saliva, stomach, pancreas, intestines, and small intestine. For example, amylase starts breaking down starches in saliva; pepsin works in the acidic stomach to break down proteins; pancreatic enzymes like protease, lipase, and amylase continue digestion in the small intestine
- Within cells: Enzymes catalyze chemical reactions inside cells, including DNA replication, metabolism, and cellular respiration. They bind substrates at active sites to speed up reactions crucial for cell function
- Liver: Enzymes in the liver help break down toxins and facilitate detoxification processes
- Nerves and muscles: Specific enzymes break down neurotransmitters to regulate nerve signals and muscle function
Overall, enzymes operate in diverse environments such as the mouth, stomach, intestines, liver, and inside cells, adapting to different pH levels and conditions to catalyze biochemical reactions essential for digestion, metabolism, and other vital processes
