Question

What would happen when salivary amyla act on starch in mouth as well as in stomach?

Answer 1

Saliva contains an amylase called salivary amylase, which is produced by the salivary glands in the mouth. Saliva is a slippery liquid that lubricates food so that it can smoothly pass through the food pipe. However, it also contains enzymes that start the digestion process. Salivary amylase starts breaking down starch in the mouth and continues to do so after the food is passed into the stomach and small intestine. Salivary amylase works best at a neutral pH, but can survive the stomach acid.

The stomach produces its own amylase, which is called gastric amylase. However, this amylase appears to play a minor role in starch digestion in the stomach. The stomach’s main digestive enzymes are ones that digest proteins. How can the digestive system afford to take a break in digesting starch? The digestive system has two other sources of amylase. In addition to the amylase in saliva, the small intestine also has amylase, which is produced by the pancreas. The process of digestion is completed in the long tubes of the small intestines. Salivary amylase does 50 percent of the starch digestion, while pancreatic amylase does the rest.

The stomach produces its own amylase, which is called gastric amylase. However, this amylase appears to play a minor role in starch digestion in the stomach. The stomach’s main digestive enzymes are ones that digest proteins. How can the digestive system afford to take a break in digesting starch? The digestive system has two other sources of amylase. In addition to the amylase in saliva, the small intestine also has amylase, which is produced by the pancreas. The process of digestion is completed in the long tubes of the small intestines. Salivary amylase does 50 percent of the starch digestion, while pancreatic amylase does the rest.