Which enzyme present in saliva initiates the breakdown of carbohydrates?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
The enzyme present in saliva that initiates the breakdown of carbohydrates is Amylase.
- Saliva contains several enzymes, but the primary enzyme responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates is salivary amylase (also known as ptyalin).
- This enzyme begins the hydrolysis of starch, a complex carbohydrate, into simpler sugars like maltose and dextrin right in the mouth.
- This process is the initial step in carbohydrate digestion, which continues further down the digestive tract.
- Lipase is involved in the digestion of lipids (fats) but is more active in the stomach and small intestine.
- Protease enzymes break down proteins, but they are not active in saliva; they work predominantly in the stomach and small intestine.
- Maltase acts on maltose to break it down into glucose, but this enzyme is located in the small intestine, not in saliva.
Therefore, amylase is uniquely suited to initiate carbohydrate digestion starting from the oral cavity.
Reference: Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th Edition, Chapter 58/ Page 734
- Saliva contains several enzymes, but the primary enzyme responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates is salivary amylase (also known as ptyalin).
- This enzyme begins the hydrolysis of starch, a complex carbohydrate, into simpler sugars like maltose and dextrin right in the mouth.
- This process is the initial step in carbohydrate digestion, which continues further down the digestive tract.
- Lipase is involved in the digestion of lipids (fats) but is more active in the stomach and small intestine.
- Protease enzymes break down proteins, but they are not active in saliva; they work predominantly in the stomach and small intestine.
- Maltase acts on maltose to break it down into glucose, but this enzyme is located in the small intestine, not in saliva.
Therefore, amylase is uniquely suited to initiate carbohydrate digestion starting from the oral cavity.
Reference: Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th Edition, Chapter 58/ Page 734
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