Salivary amylase is an enzyme present in saliva that catalyzes the breakdown of starch molecules into simpler sugars, facilitating their digestion.
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Salivary amylase is an enzyme present in saliva that catalyzes the breakdown of starch molecules into simpler sugars, facilitating their digestion.
Salivary amylase, an enzyme produced by salivary glands, functions in the initial digestion of carbohydrates. It specifically targets complex starch molecules, breaking them down into simpler sugars like maltose and dextrins. Amylase catalyzes the hydrolysis of the glycosidic bonds within starch, facilitating the conversion of polysaccharides into smaller, more easily absorbable molecules. This enzymatic action begins in the mouth during mastication and continues in the initial stages of food processing, providing a crucial step in carbohydrate digestion before the food reaches the stomach and encounters gastric enzymes. The breakdown of starch by salivary amylase prepares the substrate for further digestion in the gastrointestinal tract.