Question

Ptyalin enzyme is secreted by
A. Salivary gland
B. Mouth
C. Esophagus
D. Stomach

Answer 1

Hint: Ptyalin is crucial for the breakdown of starch and the digestion of starch begins in the mouth.

Complete answer:
Ptyalin enzyme is secreted by the ‘Salivary gland'.
- Ptyalin is an enzyme present in our saliva which is capable of breaking down starch (30%) into simpler sugars such as maltose and dextrin that can be further broken down in the small intestine.
- Ptyalin is also known as enzyme amylase.
- It requires calcium ions for its function and an optimum pH of 5.6 to 6.9 along with certain activators like chloride, bromide, and iodide ion.
- It becomes non-functional in the stomach (fundus) due to the acidic environment.
Additional Information:
Other functions of salivary gland are:
- Lubrication of food.
- Perceive taste.
- Cleansing of mouth by the lysozyme.
- Helps in speech.
- Excretion of heavy metals like mercury, lead, etc.; antibiotics like penicillin; viruses causing polio, mumps, etc.

So, the correct answer is ‘Salivary gland'.

Note: Amylase can be classified into three types:
- Alpha-amylase: It is produced by the salivary glands in human beings.
- Beta-amylase: It is produced by some plants, fungi, and some bacteria.
- Gamma-amylase: It is secreted by the small intestine in human beings and rabbits.