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

Study for the City and Guilds Dental Nursing Block 2 Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations, to prepare effectively. Get ready for your exam!

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.

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