The enzyme amylase

• Energy in cells is obtained by breaking down food molecules during the respiration process.
• The chemical reactions involved are carried out by enzymes.
• Enzyme molecules also break down food molecules in the digestive system and carry out chemical reactions in the photosynthesis and gemination processes.
• Enzymes are important because they speed the rate f reactions.
• Catalyst-is any substance that speeds up the rate of reaction.
• A catalyst can be organic or inorganic.
• Catalysts do not take part in the reaction i.e. they are not changed chemically by the reaction.
• Enzymes like amylase are organic catalysts.
• Enzymes regulate metabolism.
• Metabolism-are all the combined functions and processes that take place in living organisms.
• Enzymes are protein molecules whose structure is complex and each enzyme can only catalyse one specific reaction.
• Amylase is an enzyme found in saliva and pancreatic juices.
• It converts starch into simple reducing sugars (maltose).

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