Introduction
The digestive process is complex and multifaceted in its essence and structure, consisting of several stages and steps of processing biologically significant elements. Moreover, in this procedure, it is by no means possible to do without enzymes that convert complex substances into simple ones. In fact, with the help of these components, a living organism has to assimilate complex substances much more accessible, easier and faster. Digestion would be impossible without enzymes, so do not underestimate their role in ensuring the well-being and maintaining health. Enzymes are essential and significant elements in the organism, allowing the human and animal digestion systems to function correctly and accurately.
Analysis
Often, biologists perceive natural catalysts under enzymes, which, as practice and research show, are produced in the cells of a living organism. Ferment’s task is to turn the food received by the body into energy and make sure that this energy is used for the organism’s needs (Meghwanshi et al., 2020). Furthermore, to maintain health, a person needs the presence of all enzymes in a certain amount so that they are in their places at the right time. Factors such as an unfavorable environment, past infections, diseases, and a lack of trace elements, vitamins, and protein in food can interfere with the natural synthesis of enzymes.
Groups
Metabolic, Digestive, Food, and Pharmacological Enzymes
In the vast majority of cases, enzymes are considered from the point of view of several groups and divisions. Thus, for example, it is possible to highlight metabolic refer to various substances in the body that perform multiple functions. In a word, they are the main component of cell reproduction and replenishment. These cells are not limited to any particular area of the body but can include one of many systems and functions of the body. For example, the two most important metabolic enzymes are superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Digestive ferments are among the most critical participants in the digestive process; they break down such complex elements as nucleic acids, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into uncomplicated biological parts beneficial for the body. As practice shows, these enzymes are produced and act in the body’s digestive system. These enzymes work to assimilate all nutrients in the body and facilitate the further absorption of vitamins and trace elements necessary for the body’s vital activity.
Further, it is necessary to pay attention to the food enzymes that a living organism receives when consuming food. Facilitating the digestion of food and the assimilation of elements is a crucial aspect when taking food ferments. At least this process eliminates unpleasant symptoms and ailments associated with vital components during food processing. Furthermore, there is also a pharmacological enzyme in a living organism that allows one to solve many problems with the gastrointestinal tract and interrelated diseases. For this purpose, a medical specialist prescribes these enzymes to a patient. This is a crucial decision, giving a chance to get rid of complex pathogenesis, which, as practice shows, can develop and intensify under the influence of appropriate processes.
Classification of Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are the most fundamental elements in the digestive process. As mentioned earlier, the digestive system produces specific ferments, taking part in the breakdown of food into simpler nutrients absorbed into the body. The core of these enzymes is the digestive organs – the stomach, intestines, and oral cavity (Sensoy, 2021). Moreover, such enzymes are divided into several critical groups: proteolytic, lipolytic, amylolytic, and nucleases (Khan et al., 2021). Thus, proteolytic enzymes, or in other words, proteases and peptidases, gradually hydrolyze certain peptide bonds of proteins to form amino acids eventually. Protease is responsible for proteins; with a lack of proteins, weight loss, edema, anemia, dysfunction of internal organs, and the immune system occur. Consequently, lipolytic, that is, lipases, break down fats into glycerol and fatty acids. Amylase acts on glycogen, starch, and other carbohydrates, breaking them into monosaccharides. Finally, nucleases are enzymes of the hydrolase class that cleaves nucleic acids into nucleotides.
Moreover, there are several vital enzymes in a living organism. Primarily, it is recommended to emphasize alfa-amylase (saliva enzymes), which is produced in the salivary glands and breaks down starch into simpler sugars. In addition, enzymes such as pepsin (stomach enzymes) are produced by the stomach and break down protein molecules into amino acids. Accordingly, trypsin and chymotrypsin (pancreatic enzymes) are enzymes that the pancreas creates while also splitting protein molecules. In addition, maltase (enzymes of the small intestine) decomposes maltose into glucose molecules absorbed in the intestine and acting on carbohydrates. Lactase (enzymes of the small intestine) is an enzyme that acts on lactose (a carbohydrate obtained from milk); it decomposes it into glucose and galactose. Nucleases (enzymes of the small intestine) are an enzyme that acts on DNA and RNA obtained from food and after which they break down into separate components – nucleotides. Carboxypeptidases are enzymes that act on peptides – small protein molecules, resulting in individual amino acids. Finally, lipase is an enzyme that decomposes lipids and fats obtained from food in the gastrointestinal tract and forms their constituent parts.
Principles of the Work of Enzymes
Enzymes are selective in their functions and, as a rule, they act purposefully on a specific type of substance (fats, proteins, carbohydrates) or produce a series of identical reactions. When food enters the intestine, the duodenum, the enzymes recognize their substrate and enter into a chemical reaction with it (Sensoy, 2021). Nutrients are broken down to molecules, for example, fats to fatty acids. Trace elements can pass through the intestinal tissues and be absorbed into the blood.
Positive and Negative Aspects
Enzymes are involved in intracellular reactions and perform other valuable functions. Firstly, energy is produced during the splitting, which accelerates the metabolic processes. If enzymes were not involved in metabolism, digesting one meal would take several years. Secondly, enzymes are involved in the methods of blood purification and can remove harmful substances and toxins from the body, as well as reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce its viscosity. Thirdly, these substances have an anti-inflammatory effect and are able to deliver leukocytes to the foci of inflammation and thereby accelerate the healing process.
With the normal functioning of all systems responsible for digestion and the production of enzymes, the human body is in a balanced state – the food is safely digested, giving it the necessary nutrients. Sometimes the production of enzymes is disrupted, entailing inevitable consequences. Exocrine insufficiency – a decrease in the digestive function of the pancreas – can be observed in many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which can be absolute and relative. With a lack of enzymes, digestive problems arise. Even a large meal can disrupt the enzyme production system. The gland ceases to cope with its functions and cannot produce the right amount of pancreatic juice.
Conclusion
Summarizing the above, it should be highlighted that enzymes are essential substances in any living organism that contribute to the smooth and proper functioning of the organism and the digestion of food. Accordingly, the absence of these valuable elements entails unpleasant health consequences, as well as the risks of complications and sometimes fatal outcomes. By their essence and nature, enzymes are divided into several groups; in turn, each of these groups includes individual substances, among which there are proteases, amylases, lipases, nucleases, and many others that play an equally important role in the human body.
References
Khan, A., Vege, S. S., Dudeja, V., & Chari, S. T. (2021). Staging exocrine pancreatic dysfunction. Pancreatology, 22(1), 168-172. Web.
Meghwanshi, G. K., Kaur, N., Verma, S., Dabi, N. K., Vashishtha, A., Charan, P. D.,… & Kumar, R. (2020). Enzymes for pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications. Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry, 67(4), 586-601. Web.
Sensoy, I. (2021). A review on the food digestion in the digestive tract and the used in vitro models. Current Research in Food Science, 4, 308-319. Web.