Q.
The enzyme salivary amylase breaks down starch into maltase at a pH of
1083
220
NTA AbhyasNTA Abhyas 2020Digestion and Absorption
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Solution:
The saliva secreted into the oral cavity contains
electrolytes and enzymes, such as salivary amylase and lysozyme. The chemical process of digestion is initiated in the oral cavity by the hydrolytic action of the carbohydrate splitting enzyme, the salivary amylase. Approximately 30% of starch is hydrolysed here by this enzyme (optimum pH 6.8) into a disaccharide: maltose.