Which is the enzyme that begins digestion of starch in the mouth?
Which is the enzyme that begins digestion of starch in the mouth?
- A) Ptyalin
- B) Maltase
- C) Amylase
- 6
Correct Answer: A) Ptyalin
Explanation
The correct answer is A. Explanation: In the mouth, the digestion of starch begins with the help of an enzyme called ptyalin. This enzyme is also known as salivary amylase. Ptyalin breaks down starch into smaller molecules called maltose. Maltose is further broken down by other enzymes in the small intestine. It is important to note that while amylase is involved in the digestion of starch, there are different types of amylase enzymes that work in different parts of the digestive system. Ptyalin is the amylase enzyme that is found in saliva and begins digestion of starch in the mouth. Maltase, sucrase, and lactase are other enzymes involved in digestion, but they work on different types of molecules. Maltase breaks down maltose into glucose, while sucrase breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose, and lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose. Therefore, the correct answer to this question is option A: Ptyalin.

