Question

If the salivary amylase is lacking in saliva, which of the following events in the mouth cavity will be affected?

• A. Proteins breaking down into amino acids.
• B. Starch breaking down into sugars.
• C. Fats breaking down into fatty acids and glycerol.
• D. Absorption of vitamins.

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Starch breaking down into sugars.

The correct option is B.

Explanation of Correct Option:

• The salivary amylase is an enzyme liberated into the mouth by the salivary gland as a part of saliva.
• It breaks the starch present in the food into the disaccharide sugars.

Explanation of Incorrect Options:

Option A:

• The proteins are not digested by amylase. Instead, they are digested by proteases.

Option C:

• Lipases are responsible for fats breakdown, not salivary amylase.

Option D:

• The absorption of vitamins does not occur in the mouth. Instead, it takes place in the small intestine.

Therefore, the lack of salivary amylase in saliva will affect starch digestion in the mouth cavity.