The digestive enzyme found in saliva is called ptyalin; it primarily digests which substance?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $9.99Unlock all

Prepare for the City and Guilds Dental Nursing Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions complete with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

The digestive enzyme found in saliva is called ptyalin; it primarily digests which substance?

Explanation:
Salivary amylase (ptyalin) begins carbohydrate digestion in the mouth by breaking down starch into smaller sugars such as maltose and dextrins. It targets starch, not proteins or fats, and it doesn’t produce glucose directly—the glucose that eventually appears comes after further digestion in the small intestine. This is why starch is the substance primarily digested by ptyalin.

Salivary amylase (ptyalin) begins carbohydrate digestion in the mouth by breaking down starch into smaller sugars such as maltose and dextrins. It targets starch, not proteins or fats, and it doesn’t produce glucose directly—the glucose that eventually appears comes after further digestion in the small intestine. This is why starch is the substance primarily digested by ptyalin.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy