Which enzyme is produced in the salivary glands and begins carbohydrate digestion in the mouth?

Which enzyme is produced in the salivary glands and begins carbohydrate digestion in the mouth?

• A. Protease
• B. Amylase
• C. Lipase
• D. Nuclease

Answer: (B)

Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth thanks to an enzyme produced by the salivary glands. This enzyme, amylase, targets starches and starts breaking them into smaller sugars like maltose and dextrins by cleaving the alpha-1,4 glycosidic bonds. This early step helps set up digestion before the food moves on to the stomach and intestines. The other enzymes listed are involved with different macromolecules: a protease digests proteins, a lipase digests fats, and a nuclease breaks down nucleic acids. Amylase is the one specialized for initiating carbohydrate digestion right in the mouth.

Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth thanks to an enzyme produced by the salivary glands. This enzyme, amylase, targets starches and starts breaking them into smaller sugars like maltose and dextrins by cleaving the alpha-1,4 glycosidic bonds. This early step helps set up digestion before the food moves on to the stomach and intestines.

The other enzymes listed are involved with different macromolecules: a protease digests proteins, a lipase digests fats, and a nuclease breaks down nucleic acids. Amylase is the one specialized for initiating carbohydrate digestion right in the mouth.