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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of amylase in carbohydrate digestion?
Where is salivary amylase found?
How does amylase activity change in response to high glucose levels?
What is the optimal pH range for pancreatic amylase?
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What is the role of secretin and cholecystokinin in regulating amylase activity?
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What is the final product of amylase-mediated carbohydrate digestion?
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Study Notes
Carbohydrate Digestion and Absorption: Amylase Enzyme
What is Amylase?
- A type of enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into simpler sugars
- Found in saliva and pancreatic juice
Functions of Amylase:
- Hydrolyzes alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds in polysaccharides (starches)
- Breaks down starches into maltose and dextrins
Types of Amylase:
-
Salivary amylase:
- Found in saliva
- Begins breaking down carbohydrates in the mouth
- Optimal pH: 6.8-7.2
-
Pancreatic amylase:
- Found in pancreatic juice
- Active in the small intestine
- Optimal pH: 7.1-8.5
Mechanism of Action:
- Amylase binds to the substrate (starch) and cleaves the glycosidic bonds
- Releases maltose and dextrins, which are then further broken down into glucose
Regulation of Amylase Activity:
- pH-dependent: amylase activity is optimal at specific pH ranges
- Feedback inhibition: high glucose levels inhibit amylase activity
- Hormonal regulation: secretin and cholecystokinin stimulate pancreatic amylase secretion
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Description
Learn about the functions and types of amylase, its mechanism of action, and regulation of activity in breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars. Understand the role of salivary and pancreatic amylase in digestion. Test your knowledge on the biology of amylase enzyme.
