What digestive enzyme secreted in human saliva initiates the chemical breakdown of cooked starch into maltose in the oral cavity?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. salivary amylase
- Step 1: Salivary glands secrete ptyalin (salivary amylase) into the mouth. Step 2. It hydrolyzes cooked starch polymers into disaccharide maltose at neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Answer: salivary amylase (ptyalin). Why not the others: Pepsin digests proteins in the stomach; lipase hydrolyzes fats; trypsin digests proteins in the duodenum.
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