Name the enzyme present in saliva and state its function.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:41 · grounding rag
Model Answer
The enzyme present in saliva is salivary amylase.
Function: It breaks down starch (a complex carbohydrate) into simple sugars. Thus, the chemical digestion of carbohydrates begins in the mouth itself.
Source: Life Processes, Section 5.2.4
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Explanation
- 1 mark for naming the enzyme: salivary amylase (not just "amylase").
- 1 mark for its function: breaking down starch into simple sugars.
- Avoid vague answers like "it digests food" — be specific about the substrate (starch) and the product (simple sugar).
- The textbook explicitly states: "The saliva contains an enzyme called salivary amylase that breaks down starch which is a complex molecule to give simple sugar." Stick close to this wording.