2.3.18

Amylase

Test yourself

Amylase

Carbohydrases break carbohydrates down into sugars. Amylase is a type of carbohydrase that breaks down starch in our bodies:

Illustrative background for ProductionIllustrative background for Production ?? "content

Production

  • Amylase is produced in:
    • Small intestine
    • Pancreas
    • Salivary glands
Illustrative background for PurposeIllustrative background for Purpose ?? "content

Purpose

  • Amylase breaks down starch into its constituent simple sugars (predominantly maltose).
  • Starch → Maltose (+ other sugars).
Illustrative background for Action sitesIllustrative background for Action sites ?? "content

Action sites

  • The sites of action (where it breaks down starch) of amylase are:
    • The small intestine
    • The mouth
Illustrative background for MaltaseIllustrative background for Maltase ?? "content

Maltase

  • After starch has been broken down into maltose, an enzyme called maltase breaks down maltose into a smaller sugar, glucose.
  • This happens on the epithelial lining of the small intestine, so that glucose can pass through the membrane straight into the bloodstream.

Jump to other topics

1The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3Organism Functions

3.1Respiration

3.2Gas Exchange

3.3Transport

3.4Excretion

3.5Coordination & Response

4Reproduction & Inheritance

5Ecology

6Biological Resources

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium