Digestive System

Question

Which enzyme initiates carbohydrate digestion in the oral cavity?

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1. **Oral Cavity Digestion**: Digestion begins in the mouth with both mechanical and chemical processes.
2. **Chemical Action**: Saliva contains a digestive enzyme called **salivary amylase** (also known as ptyalin).
3. **Function**: It initiates the breakdown of complex carbohydrates (**starch**) into simpler sugars like maltose and dextrins.
4. **Condition**: It functions optimally at a slightly acidic $pH$ of about $6.8$. About $30\%$ of starch is hydrolyzed here before reaching the stomach.

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Digestive System

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