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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of salivary amylase in the mouth?
What is the primary function of salivary amylase in the mouth?
What is the optimal pH range for salivary amylase activity?
What is the optimal pH range for salivary amylase activity?
What is the consequence of incomplete digestion in the mouth?
What is the consequence of incomplete digestion in the mouth?
Why is mouth digestion limited?
Why is mouth digestion limited?
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What is the primary site of carbohydrate digestion?
What is the primary site of carbohydrate digestion?
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What is the product of salivary amylase action on carbohydrates?
What is the product of salivary amylase action on carbohydrates?
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Study Notes
Mouth Digestion
Mechanism of Carbohydrate Digestion in the Mouth
- Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth with the action of salivary amylase, an enzyme produced by the salivary glands.
- Salivary amylase breaks down carbohydrates, such as starches, into shorter-chain sugars, including maltose and dextrins.
Action of Salivary Amylase
- Salivary amylase acts on α-1,4-glycosidic bonds, hydrolyzing them to produce maltose and dextrins.
- The optimal pH for salivary amylase activity is 6.7-7.3, which is the normal pH range of the mouth.
Importance of Mouth Digestion
- Mouth digestion is important for breaking down carbohydrates into smaller molecules, making them more accessible to digestive enzymes in the small intestine.
- Incomplete digestion in the mouth can lead to impaired carbohydrate absorption in the small intestine.
Limitations of Mouth Digestion
- Mouth digestion is limited by the short time food spends in the mouth and the relatively small amount of salivary amylase present.
- As a result, only a small portion of carbohydrates are digested in the mouth, with the majority of digestion occurring in the small intestine.
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Description
Learn about the mechanism of carbohydrate digestion in the mouth, the action of salivary amylase, and the importance and limitations of mouth digestion.
