HUMAN NUTRITION

Detailed explanation-1: -Amylases digest starch into smaller molecules, ultimately yielding maltose, which in turn is cleaved into two glucose molecules by maltase.

Detailed explanation-2: -Salivary amylase is the enzyme that is present in saliva. Salivary amylase is also known as ptyalin. It breaks down the starch which is a polymer of glucose into dextrin and maltose. These carbohydrates can be absorbed easily by our body.

Detailed explanation-3: -On addition of saliva which contains an amylase, a starch digesting enzyme (chemical compound that catalyses the breakdown of starch); the starch gradually converts to sugar. Once the starch is broken down, the blue colour disappears. It is important to know that the salivary amylase requires an alkaline medium to act.

Detailed explanation-4: -Briefly, saliva is composed of a variety of ions including sodium, potassium, calcium, bicarbonate, thiocyanate and phosphate. Also found in saliva are low molecular weight organic substances such as uric acid and lactate, immunoglobulins, enzymes, and mucins and some important hormones such as cortisol.

Detailed explanation-5: -Final answer: The enzymes present in the saliva convert starch into simple sugars.