Science — AI-generated practice question

Saliva is secreted by the salivary glands in the mouth. It performs two roles:

1. Moistening food — It wets the food to make its passage through the alimentary canal smooth.
2. Chemical digestion — It contains the enzyme salivary amylase, which breaks down starch (a complex molecule) into simple sugars.

Source: Life Processes, Section 5.2.4

---

Examiners expect both functions — physical (wetting/lubricating food) and chemical (enzyme action on starch). Simply naming salivary amylase alone fetches only 1 mark. Always mention what the enzyme acts on (starch) and what it produces (simple sugar) for full marks. Keep it concise — two clear points are enough for 2 marks.