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What is Amylase?

Matt Brady
Matt Brady

Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starch, converting it into sugar. There are two major types: alpha and beta. Alpha-amylase is found in human saliva, where it begins a chemical process in digestion with the hydrolysis of starch. It is also found in the pancreas. Beta-amylase is found in the seeds of some plants, as well as bacteria, yeast, and molds. Amylase is also found in other animals that use it to aid the digestive process.

This enzyme begins its work in the mouth when food is chewed, breaking up the polysaccharide bonds that link together to make chains of starch molecules. Starch naturally contains glucose, which the body separates in order to deliver the right nutrients to the blood stream. By breaking up and separating the various bonds within starch, amylase can extract the sugar so that it can be stored in the body. This process begins in the mouth and proceeds to the pancreas, where more of the enzyme is used to break up carbohydrates and pass food through the gastrointestinal system. For individuals incapable of producing enough amylase to properly break down starch, medical supplements containing it can help compensate for the body's deficiency.

Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starch and converts it into sugar.
Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starch and converts it into sugar.

Medical professionals and labs can use amylase as a means of detecting pancreatic disorders through blood and urine tests. Varying levels of the enzyme in the blood stream can indicate whether a person is suffering from pancreas-related disorders, such as pancreatic cancer or gallbladder attacks. Levels in urine can also help detect problems with kidney function.

Amylase begins its work in the mouth, as food is being chewed, and continues it in the pancreas, where the enzyme is used to break down carbohydrates.
Amylase begins its work in the mouth, as food is being chewed, and continues it in the pancreas, where the enzyme is used to break down carbohydrates.

Beta-amylase separates maltose disaccharides, or malt sugar, from starch. Some vegetables and many fruits taste sweet in part because of the role that the enzyme plays to break starch down into sugar. This is one reason why sweet potatoes have their signature sugary taste.

Industrial processes, such as the brewing of beer, use beta-amylase. The enzyme, secreted from yeast, breaks up the maltose compounds in barley, turning it into malted barley, and thereby aiding the fermentation process. Its presence in yeast is also the reason why amylase often plays an important role in bread making, where it breaks down starch, adds flavor and leavens dough.

Other industries use amylase as well. The clothing industry uses the enzyme to soften starch in fabric, so denim jeans aren't stiff as a board. It also is used as a key ingredient in laundry fabric softener.

Discussion Comments

anon310514

Amylase is kind of the reason we exist. As for the gross thing, come on, what's gross in a life process beginning somewhere you didn't expect? Even respiration starts from your nose, you know.

claire24

@geronimo8 -- The amylase in your mouth, that aids in the digestive process by helping to break down the starches in food, is called salivary amylase. And, while it does seem kind of gross to think of digestion starting in your mouth, I sure am glad our bodies are made to work the way they do. Without amylase, I wouldn't be able to eat some of my favorite starchy foods! Potatoes, for instance -- without salivary amylase they would be much harder to digest. Just imagine a world without french fries!

geronimo8

I can't believe that digestive process starts in your mouth! I always thought of it as a stomach and intestine thing. It seems kind of gross when you think about it.

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    • Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starch and converts it into sugar.
      By: Brent Hofacker
      Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starch and converts it into sugar.
    • Amylase begins its work in the mouth, as food is being chewed, and continues it in the pancreas, where the enzyme is used to break down carbohydrates.
      By: snapgalleria
      Amylase begins its work in the mouth, as food is being chewed, and continues it in the pancreas, where the enzyme is used to break down carbohydrates.
    • Fabric softener containing amylase.
      By: picsfive
      Fabric softener containing amylase.
    • Amylase can soften denim jeans.
      By: Sergii Moscaliuk
      Amylase can soften denim jeans.
    • Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starch and it is secreted in saliva.
      By: Adrian Costea
      Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starch and it is secreted in saliva.
    • The pancreas, a gland that aids in digestion, produces amylase.
      By: pixdesign123
      The pancreas, a gland that aids in digestion, produces amylase.