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Chapter 9: Problem 1

What two main enzymes are found in saliva? What do these enzymes do?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The two main enzymes in saliva are amylase and lipase. Amylase breaks down starch, and lipase breaks down fats.

Step by step solution

01

- Identify the two main enzymes

The two main enzymes found in saliva are amylase and lipase.
02

- Describe the function of amylase

Amylase primarily breaks down starch into simpler sugars such as maltose and dextrin. This process begins the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth.
03

- Describe the function of lipase

Lipase is responsible for the initial breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol in the mouth. This enzyme plays a role in the digestion of fats.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

amylase function
In the human digestive system, amylase plays a critical role in breaking down carbohydrates. This enzyme is produced by the salivary glands and is present in saliva.
Amylase initiates the digestion of carbohydrates by breaking down starches into simpler sugars like maltose and dextrin.
These smaller molecules are easier for the digestive system to process and absorb.
By starting carbohydrate digestion in the mouth, amylase ensures that the food is prepared for further digestion in the small intestine.
  • Breaks down starch into maltose and dextrin
  • Starts carbohydrate digestion in the mouth
  • Produced by salivary glands and present in saliva

lipase function
Lipase is another important enzyme found in saliva. Its primary function is to initiate the digestion of fats.
This enzyme breaks down triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol.
Although the majority of fat digestion occurs in the small intestine, lipase starts this process in the mouth, making it easier for digestive juices later on.
Like amylase, lipase is produced by the salivary glands.
  • Breaks down triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol
  • Initial step of fat digestion occurs in the mouth
  • Produced by salivary glands and found in saliva

digestion of carbohydrates
Carbohydrate digestion starts in the mouth thanks to the enzyme amylase.
Starches in the food are rapidly broken down into simpler sugars, such as maltose and dextrin.
This breakdown continues as the food travels down the esophagus and into the stomach. Once in the small intestine, other enzymes like pancreatic amylase further convert these sugars into even simpler forms.
These simple sugars are absorbed by the small intestine and transported into the bloodstream to be used for energy.
  • Starts with amylase in the mouth
  • Continues down the esophagus and in the stomach
  • Completed in the small intestine by other enzymes
  • Simple sugars absorbed into the bloodstream

digestion of fats
The digestion of fats begins in the mouth with the action of lipase enzyme found in saliva.
Lipase breaks down fat molecules (triglycerides) into fatty acids and glycerol, initiating the fat digestion process.
The process is then carried forward primarily in the small intestine, where bile acids from the liver emulsify fats, making them easier to be broken down by pancreatic lipase.
The end products, fatty acids and glycerol, are absorbed through the intestinal walls and taken up by the body's cells for energy or stored for future use.
  • Starts with lipase in the mouth
  • Fat molecules broken into fatty acids and glycerol
  • Continued in the small intestine with the help of bile acids
  • End products absorbed and used by the body

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