Question

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

• A. Proteins break down into amino acids.
• B. Starch breaks down into sugar.
• C. Absorption of vitamins.
• D. Fats break down into fatty acids and glycerol.

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Starch breaks down into sugar.

The correct option is B.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Amylase is an enzyme that catalyzes starch hydrolysis into simple sugars.
2. As a result, if salivary amylase is deficient, starch digestion is affected.

Explanation of the incorrect option:

Option A:

Protease enzyme-mediated protein breakdown to amino acids and bile-mediated fat breakdown in the small intestine.

Option C:

The small intestine absorbs vitamins.

Option D:

Lipase is an enzyme that degrades lipids found in emulsified fat and transforms them into fatty acids and glycerol.

Final answer: If salivary amylase is lacking in the saliva, starch breaks down into sugar events in the mouth cavity will be affected.