OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

Where in the body are enzymes produced?

1. Only in the stomach

2. In every cell of the body

3. Only in the pancreas

4. In the liver

The correct answer is: In every cell of the body

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body and are essential for numerous physiological processes. They are produced throughout the body, not limited to just one organ or location. Every cell has the machinery necessary to synthesize enzymes, which are often tailored to facilitate specific reactions that are important for the cell's function. For example, while the pancreas does produce certain digestive enzymes that help break down food in the intestine, cells in the liver produce enzymes involved in metabolism, and muscle cells produce enzymes necessary for muscle contraction. Similarly, enzymes in the saliva aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, produced by salivary glands. Thus, it is accurate to say that enzymes are produced in every cell of the body, reflecting the diverse roles they play in maintaining homeostasis and supporting various biochemical processes.