What is Alpha-Amylase?
Alpha-amylase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in digestion of the complex carbohydrates such as starch and glycogen. It belongs to the family of amylolytic enzymes and is widely distributed in nature being found in various organisms including humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms.
The primary function of alpha-amylase is to break down the long chains of the polysaccharides specifically starch into smaller units known as oligosaccharides. These oligosaccharides consist of a few glucose molecules linked together. The enzyme achieves this by hydrolyzing the internal glycosidic bonds within starch molecules effectively cleaving them and releasing the smaller fragments.
In humans, alpha-amylase is produced and secreted by the different organs in the body. The salivary glands and pancreas are major sources of the alpha-amylase. In the mouth, salivary amylase also known as ptyalin is released with saliva during the process of chewing. It begins the initial breakdown of the starch into simpler carbohydrates. Once the food reaches the stomach, the acidic environment inhibits the activity of the salivary amylase.
Also Read: Amylase
Difference Between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase
The difference between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase lies in their specific roles in carbohydrate digestion. Alpha-Amylase breaks down starches into smaller polysaccharides, while Alpha-Glucosidase further breaks down these polysaccharides into glucose units.
Both Alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase are two enzymes involved in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler forms during digestion. In this article, we will cover the difference between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase.
Table of Content
- Difference Between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase
- What is Alpha-Amylase?
- What is Alpha-Glucosidase?
- Conclusion – Difference Between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase
- Other Articles Related to Difference
- FAQs on Difference Between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase
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