Multiple choice

If salivary amylase is lacking in the saliva, which of the following events in the mouth cavity will be affected?

  1. Proteins break down into amino acids

  2. Starch breaking down into sugars

  3. Fats breaking down into fatty acids and sugar

  4. Absorption of vitamins
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Amylase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. Amylase is present in the saliva of humans and some other mammals, where it begins the chemical process of digestion. Foods that contain large amounts of starch but little sugar, such as rice and potatoes, may acquire a slightly sweet taste as they are chewed because amylase degrades some of their starch into sugar.

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