When your food gets into the small intestine, more amylase is made by the pancreas and this turns the remaining starch into maltose. Glucose is then absorbed into the blood. The enzymes which we use to digest our food are extra-cellular, that means they are found outside cells. Enzymes must have the correct shape to do their job. They are made of proteins, and proteins are very easily affected by heat, pH and heavy metal ions.
Some people say that enzymes work like a key in a lock.
If the key has been twisted by heat, or dissolved in acid or stuck up with chewing gum it will not work. Enzymes change their shape if the temperature or pH changes, so they have to have the right conditions. Copyright 1997 - 2000 Gondar Design. All rights reserved.