Question
Which of the following enzymes is present in saliva?
The correct answer is
Salivary Amylase
Enzyme Identification in Saliva
Saliva plays a crucial role in the initial stages of digestion. It contains specific enzymes that begin breaking down food components.
Primary Salivary Enzyme
- Salivary Amylase (also known as ptyalin) is the principal enzyme found in human saliva.
- Its function is to start the chemical digestion of carbohydrates (starch) by breaking them down into simpler sugars like maltose.
Analysis of Options
- No enzyme: Saliva does contain enzymes.
- Salivary Protease: Proteases digest proteins. While some digestive enzymes are proteases, they are not the primary enzyme secreted in saliva.
- Salivary Lipase: Lipases digest fats. While lingual lipase is present in the mouth, it is secreted by lingual glands and primarily functions in the stomach; it's not considered the main enzyme *in* saliva itself.
Therefore, the enzyme characteristically present in saliva is Salivary Amylase.
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Important Questions from Human Body
Which of the following concepts is used by ultra sound scanners to find abnormalities in internal organs of human beings?
Which of the following plants is used to cure cold and cough?
Name a common electrolyte disorder that occurs when the amount of sodium in your blood becomes abnormally low.
Which of the following plants is used to cure cold and cough?
Name a common electrolyte disorder that occurs when the amount of sodium in your blood becomes abnormally low.
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