Explain the role of amylase in the digestion of starch in the human mouth.
Answer
Amylase hydrolyses starch into maltose and dextrins, starting carbohydrate digestion.
The correct answer is Amylase hydrolyses starch into maltose and dextrins, starting carbohydrate digestion. — Step 4: These smaller sugars are further broken down in the small intestine, completing carbohydrate digestion.
Step-by-step solution
- Step 1: Amylase is a glycoside‑hydrolase enzyme secreted by the salivary glands.
- Step 2: It specifically cleaves α‑1,4‑glycosidic linkages in starch polymers.
- Step 3: Each cleavage produces smaller sugars such as maltose, maltotriose, and dextrins.
- Step 4: These smaller sugars are further broken down in the small intestine, completing carbohydrate digestion.
Common mistake: Believing amylase acts only in the stomach or that it breaks down all carbohydrate bonds equally.
Concept tested: Enzyme action in carbohydrate digestion
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