Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Salivary amylase is an enzyme produced by the salivary glands that begins the process of breaking down starches into simpler sugars in the mouth. It plays a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism as part of the digestive system.
The series of biochemical processes responsible for the breakdown and synthesis of carbohydrates in living organisms, providing energy for cellular functions.
A complex carbohydrate found in many plants that serves as a significant energy source for humans, broken down by enzymes like salivary amylase during digestion