Amylase

Amylase enzyme is secreted by salivary glands in the mouth and the pancreas in the digestive system. Amylase enzyme is important in human digestion which helps in breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars. In this article, we will learn about amylase in detail, including its definition, classification, and amylase function.

Amylase is an enzyme that is found in human saliva and the pancreas. It plays a crucial role in the digestive process.

It helps break down starches into simpler sugars such as maltose and glucose. By converting complex carbohydrates into sugars that the body can more easily absorb, amylase is essential for proper energy utilization from food. Elevated or reduced amylase levels can indicate various health issues, including pancreatic disorders.

Also Read: Role of Saliva in digestion of Food

Amylase enzymes are classified into three main groups based on their specific actions and sources:

1. ɑ-Amylase
2. ?-Amylase
3. ?-Amylase

Let’s learn about each of them in detail.

α-Amylase

Alpha amylase is found in human saliva and the pancreas. It is a calcium metalloenzyme. It helps in initiating the digestion of dietary starches. This enzyme acts on the alpha bonds of starch, breaking them into smaller dextrins and maltose. The structure of alpha amylase allows it to rapidly degrade starch and start the digestion process early in the mouth. This facilitates better absorption of nutrients in the small intestine.

The benefits of alpha amylase are there in both health and industry. Proper levels of alpha amylase in prevent issues like malabsorption. It is widely used in the brewing and textile industries as well.

?-Amylase

Beta amylase is an exoenzyme that cleaves alpha-1,4 glycosidic bonds at the non-reducing end of starch molecules, releasing maltose units. This enzyme is found in plants, particularly in seed tissues. It hels in the conversion of starch into sugar during germination. Structurally, beta amylase is smaller and less complex than alpha amylase. This structure allows it to efficiently produce maltose until it reaches a branch in the starch molecule.

Beta amylase is extensively utilized in the brewing and baking industries. Its ability to produce maltose makes it critical for alcohol fermentation processes, where sugars are needed for yeast fermentation. Addition of beta amylase improves the quality of bread and other baked goods by enhancing the sugar content, which feeds the yeast and improves the rise and texture of the product.

?-Amylase

Gamma amylase operates differently by breaking starch down into single glucose units. It is also known as glucoamylase. This enzyme is found in fungi and certain bacteria. It processes starch into usable energy forms.

It has an essential function for industries that require high glucose outputs, such as the production of syrups and bioethanol. It is used in the starch industry where it converts starch into glucose, a key step in the manufacture of biofuels and other glucose-derived products. It plays a key role in enhancing the efficiency of fermentation processes used in producing biofuels.

Also Read: Difference Between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase

Here are some of the most common uses of amylase.

• Amylase breaks down starches into simpler sugars in the mouth and small intestine.
• It enhances conversion of starches to sugars for improved fermentation and alcohol production.
• It increases fermentable sugars in dough, improving yeast activity, texture, and flavor of baked goods.
• It is used in fabric processing to remove excess starch, facilitating easier dyeing and finishing.
• It helps in the papermaking process by breaking down starches used as coating additives.
• Amylase is used in the production of biofuels by converting starch to fermentable sugars.
• It is useful in medicine manufacturing for starch degradation in ingredient preparation.

The normal range of amylase in blood typically falls between 30 to 110 units per liter (U/L), but this may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and testing method used. Given below is the table consisting of normal level, high and low level of amylase in urine and blood along with their complications:

*Please note that the values provided are general reference ranges and may vary depending on the laboratory and specific testing methods used

Amylase plays an important role in the diagnosis and monitoring of many health conditions related to the pancreas and salivary glands. Let’s learn about them in the table below.

Amylase is essential for breaking down starches into sugars in human body. Its presence in saliva and the pancreas highlights its central role in digestion. Abnormal amylase levels can indicate various health issues, particularly related to the pancreas. It also has significant industrial applications. Understanding amylase’s functions helps in diagnosing and treating digestive and metabolic disorders.

Also Read:

• Salivary Gland
• What Are Digestive Juices?
• Disorders Of Digestive System
• Digestion of Food
• Alimentary Canal Anatomy
• Difference Between Amylose And Amylopectin

What is Amylase?

Amylase is an enzyme that helps break down starches into simpler sugars like maltose and glucose, facilitating digestion and energy extraction from food.

What is the Normal Range of Amylase?

The normal range of amylase in blood typically falls between 30 to 110 units per liter (U/L), but this may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and testing method used.

What is the Function of Amylase?

Amylase functions to break down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars like maltose and glucose, aiding in the digestion of starch-containing foods in the digestive system.

Where is Amylase Produced in the Body?

Amylase is primarily produced in the salivary glands and the pancreas.

What are the Different Types of Amylase?

There are three main types of amylase: α-amylase (alpha), β-amylase (beta), and γ-amylase (gamma), each with distinct functions and sources.

How does Amylase Affect Digestion?

Amylase starts the digestive process by breaking down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars in the mouth and small intestine, enhancing nutrient absorption.

Can Amylase Levels Indicate Health Issues?

Yes, abnormal levels of amylase can indicate digestive disorders such as pancreatitis or conditions affecting the pancreas and salivary glands.