Question

Salivary amylase is activated by

• A. ${\mathrm{Na}}^{+}$
• B. $K^{+}$
• C. ${{\mathrm{HCO}}_3}^{-}$
• D. ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$

Answer 1

The correct option is D ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$

Salivary amylase or ptyalin catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into sugars in the mouth. Chloride is the allosteric effector of salivary ∝-amylases. It has an optimal pH of 6.7, and its action is inhibited by the acidic gastric juice when food enters the stomach.