Question

Amylase enzyme acts on the
A. Starch
B. Protein
C. Fat
D. Cane sugar

Answer 1

Hint: The salivary gland and pancreas secrete amylase that convert the complex carbohydrate molecules into simple sugars.

Complete Answer:
- Digestion is the breakdown of large insoluble molecules of food into small molecules that are water-soluble, to absorb them into the plasma of the watery blood. These smaller particles of some species are absorbed into the bloodstream by the small intestine.
- Digestion is a type of catabolism that can be divided into two processes based on the way of food broken down.
- The term mechanical digestion refers to the physical breakdown of large foodstuffs into smaller parts and then digestive enzymes access them. Enzymes separate food into the small molecules that the body can use in chemical digestion.
- Amylase is a digestive enzyme that breaks starch down into smaller molecules of carbohydrate. Two positions are made of the enzyme.
- First of all, we use salivary glands in our mouth that start the digestive process by breaking off the starch through the secretion of salivary amylase, turning it into maltose, a smaller carbohydrate, when we chew it.
- Cells in our pancreas produce another form of amylase, known as pancreas amylase, which passes through a duct to the small intestine. Total digestion of Carbohydrate is done by pancreatic amylase. The amylase enzyme therefore operates on the starch.

Thus, the correct answer is option A. i.e., Starch.

Note: The pancreas produces some enzymes that can digest carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The pancreas secretes an alkaline fluid in the small intestine that creates a favourable condition for the action of intestinal enzymes.