The human digestive system

This section assumes knowledge of the digestive system studied in Key Stage 3 science.

The digestive system is an example of an organ system in which several organs work together to digest and absorb food.

Students should be able to relate knowledge of enzymes to Metabolism.

Students should be able to describe the nature of enzyme molecules and relate their activity to temperature and pH changes.

Students should be able to carry out rate calculations for chemical reactions.

Enzymes catalyse specific reactions in living organisms due to the shape of their active site.

MS 1a, 1c

Students should be able to use the ‘lock and key theory’ as a simplified model to explain enzyme action.

Students should be able to recall the sites of production and the action of amylase, proteases and lipases.

Students should be able to understand simple word equations but no chemical symbol equations are required.