Question

Saliva contains enzyme
A. Enterokinase
B. Ptyalin/amylase
C. Chymotrypsin
D. Lipase

Answer 1

Hint: Saliva is a thick colorless liquid which is found in the mouth of humans and vertebrates. Digestion of food begins in the mouth where larger molecules are broken down into smaller molecules with the help of enzymes found in saliva.

Complete Answer:
Saliva is a thick colorless liquid and three pairs of salivary glands are present in our mouth which secretes saliva continuously. After eating food, the release of saliva is increased. The primary function of the saliva is to lubricate and moisten the food so that food tastes good and also can be swallowed easily.

Saliva also maintains the body's water balancing by creating an urge of thirst when the body is dehydrated. It also helps in reducing tooth decay. Saliva has an enzyme too.

Let us analyze the options to find out the correct enzyme and its role.
Option A: Enterokinase is also called as enteropeptidase. It is secreted by the duodenum of the body and it helps in converting trypsinogen into its active form trypsin that can further activate other digestive enzymes of the pancreas.Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option B: Amylase is present in the saliva of the mouth. This enzyme helps in catalysis of hydrolysis of starch into the sugars. This is where the breakdown of starch starts from.Therefore, this is the correct option.

Option C: Chymotrypsin is a digestive enzyme of pancreatic juice that acts in the duodenum and helps in the breakdown of proteins into smaller peptides.Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option D: Lipase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and it helps in the breakdown of fats or lipids.Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Thus, the correct option is B) Ptyalin/amylase.

Note: The function of saliva are as follows,
- It contains an enzyme called salivary amylase which helps in breaking down starch into simple sugar.
- It helps in keeping the mouth moist.
- It provides minerals and proteins which help in keeping the teeth healthy.