Question

If 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 the correct option:

1. Salivary amylase is a glucose cleavage enzyme that is formed in the salivary glands.
2. This enzyme is responsible for the breaking of chemical bonds present between the monomeric sugars in disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and starch.
3. The acinar cells are responsible for the production of salivary amylase which is responsible for the hydrolysis of starch.
4. It breaks down amylose and amylopectin into simpler chains of glucose such as dextrins and maltose.

Explanation of the incorrect option:

Option A:

1. The digestion of protein molecules begins in the stomach.
2. Hydrochloric acid and proteases in the stomach break down protein into smaller chains of amino acids.
3. Complete digestion of proteins occurs in the small intestine.
4. The pancreatic enzymes such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypeptidase completely break down the protein.

Option C:

1. The lipase enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.
2. It is produced by the pancreas and is the main fat-digesting enzyme.

Option D:

1. Absorption of vitamins occurs in the small intestine.
2. Water soluble vitamins are absorbed in the jejunum portion of the small intestine.

Final answer: If salivary amylase is lacking in saliva, starch breaking down into sugars will be affected.