The saliva contains an enzyme called _______ that breaks down carbohydrates which is a complex molecule to give sugar.

The correct answer is salivary amylase.

Key Points

• Salivary amylase is an enzyme produced by the salivary glands in the mouth.
• It is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars during the process of digestion.
• The enzyme initiates the digestion of starches in the mouth, converting them into maltose and dextrin.
• Salivary amylase works best at a slightly alkaline pH, which is maintained in the mouth.

Additional Information

• Isomerase: An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of a molecule from one isomer to another.
• Sucrase: An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose.
• Kinase: An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of phosphate groups from high-energy donor molecules, such as ATP, to specific substrates.
• Salivary amylase is also known as ptyalin.
• Digestion begins in the mouth with the mechanical action of chewing and the chemical action of salivary amylase.