Which nutrient type do enzymes primarily work on during digestion?

Prepare for the Portage Learning Nutrition Exam. Leverage multiple choice questions, study materials, and in-depth explanations. Ensure success in your nutrition studies!

Enzymes play a vital role in the digestive process by facilitating the breakdown of various nutrient types, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Each type of enzyme targets a specific nutrient category:

  • Proteins are broken down by proteases or peptidases, which cleave the peptide bonds between amino acids.
  • Fats, or lipids, are emulsified and then broken down by lipases, enzymes that hydrolyze triglycerides and other lipids.

  • Carbohydrates are digested by amylases and other enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates (like starch) into simpler sugars (such as glucose).

Given that enzymes are essential for the digestion of all these macronutrients, the correct answer encompasses the comprehensive role these biological catalysts play across different types of nutrients. Thus, recognizing that enzymes do not limit their action to just one type of nutrient underlines the importance of their function in overall digestion.

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