Salivary amylase

Definition

Salivary amylase is an enzyme found in saliva that initiates the breakdown of starch into simpler sugars. It plays a critical role in the digestive process by starting carbohydrate digestion in the mouth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Salivary amylase is produced by the salivary glands, primarily the parotid glands.
2. It acts on starches, breaking them down into maltose and dextrin.
3. The optimal pH for salivary amylase activity is around 6.7 to 7.0, which matches the pH of saliva.
4. Amylase activity can be influenced by factors such as temperature and pH levels.
5. Salivary amylase becomes inactive once it reaches the acidic environment of the stomach.

Review Questions

• What type of molecules does salivary amylase break down?
• Where is salivary amylase produced?
• Why does salivary amylase become inactive in the stomach?

Related terms

Parotid Gland: A major salivary gland located near the ear that produces most of the salivary amylase.

Starch: A polysaccharide carbohydrate consisting of a large number of glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds.

Maltose: A disaccharide formed from two glucose units, often produced during starch digestion by enzymes like salivary amylase.