Enzymes, digestion and absorption. The 6-mark question in Jun 2024 was on this topic — exactly the type of extended question where most marks are lost.
FreeScienceLessons · AQA BiologyDigestive System — enzymes, digestion, absorption
Key facts
Three digestive enzymes — fill in the table
Enzyme
Breaks down
Made in / works in
Amylase
Protease
Lipase
Where digestion and absorption happen — fill in the table
Location
What happens
Mouth
Stomach
Small intestine
Villi
Large intestine
Bile — not an enzyme — fill in the table
Fact
Detail
Made & stored
Neutralises
Emulsifies fats
Not an enzyme
Exam questions — 4 questions · 11 marks total
⚡ This module includes extended questions (4–6 marks). These are where most marks are lost. Use the hint button if you are stuck. Write in full sentences. The AI will tell you exactly which mark scheme points you missed.
1 markEnzyme productsAQA 8461 style
What are the products of protein digestion?
A Glucose and fructose
B Fatty acids and glycerol
C Amino acids
D Maltose
2 marksBileAQA Jun 2023 P1 style
Describe two roles of bile in digestion. (2 marks)
+20 XP
6 marksExtended response — enzyme functionAQA Jun 2024 P1 Q2.3 — real question
A person has a condition where their pancreas does not work properly and produces very little digestive enzyme. Explain why this person would have difficulty digesting food and gaining body mass. (6 marks)
How to get Level 3 (5–6 marks): You must cover BOTH parts — digesting food AND gaining body mass. For each enzyme, name it, say what it digests, say what smaller molecules are produced, and explain how this links to body mass. Write in linked sentences, not a list.
+60 XP
2 marksSmall intestine adaptationsAQA Jun 2024 P1 Q2.4
Give two features of the small intestine that increase the rate of absorption of digested food. (2 marks)