(GIP): This peptide decreases gastric motility and is produced by duodenal mucosal cells. motilin: This substance increases gastro-intestinal motility via specialized receptors called "motilin receptors". somatostatin: This hormone is produced by duodenal mucosa and also by the delta cells of the pancreas. Its main function is to inhibit a variety of secretory mechanisms. Throughout the lining of the small intestine there are numerous brush border enzymes whose function is to further break down the chyme released from the stomach into absorbable particles. These enzymes are absorbed whilst peristalsis occurs. Some of these enzymes include: Various exopeptidases and endopeptidases including dipeptidase and aminopeptidases that convert peptones and polypeptides into amino acids. Maltase: converts maltose into glucose. Lactase: This is a significant enzyme that converts lactose into glucose and galactose. A majority of Middle-Eastern and Asian populations lack this enzyme. This enzyme also decreases with age. As such lactose intolerance is often a common abdominal complaint in the Middle-Eastern, Asian, and older populations, manifesting with bloating, abdominal pain, and osmotic diarrhea. Sucrase: converts sucrose into glucose and fructose. Other disaccharidases Plants In carnivorous plants digestive enzymes and acids break down insects and in some plants small animals. In some plants the leaf collapses on the prey to increase contact, others have a small vessel of digestive liquid. Then digestion fluids are used to digest the prey to get at the needed nitrates and phosphorus. The absorption of the needed nutrients are usually more efficient than in other plants. Digestive enzymes independently came about in carnivorous plants and animals. Some carnivorous plants, like the Heliamphora do not use digestive enzymes, but use bacteria to break down the food. These plants do not have digestive juices, but use the rot of the prey. Some carnivorous plants digestive enzymes: Hydrolytic process Esterase a hydrolase enzyme Proteases enzyme Nucleases enzyme Phosphatases enzyme Glucanases enzyme Peroxidases enzyme Ureas an organic compounds Chitinase enzyme See also Erepsin References Enzymes World Health Organization essential medicines