Which enzyme in saliva begins the digestion of starch?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Salivary amylase
- Step 1: Chemical breakdown of dietary carbohydrates begins in the oral cavity upon contact with saliva.
- Step 2: Salivary amylase (also called ptyalin) is an -amylase that hydrolyzes internal -(1,4)-glycosidic bonds in starch, converting it into maltose, maltotriose, and -limit dextrins.
Answer
Salivary amylase.
Why not the others: 'Pepsin' is a gastric endopeptidase active in acidic conditions for protein cleavage; 'Trypsin' is a pancreatic serine protease secreted into the duodenum; 'Lipase' hydrolyzes ester bonds of dietary triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids.
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