The enzyme salivary amylase was previously known as "ptyalin". The word ptyalin has been derived from the Greek word "Ptyalon "(saliva) or "Ptyein "(spit). Amylases are enzymes that hydrolyze or breakdown starch into oligosaccharides such as dextrin and maltose. They are present in saliva...
1.The saliva contains ptyalin, a ferment converting starch into sugar, and it also serves to moisten the food as it is ground up by the cheek teeth. 2.The action of the ptyalin commences with great promptness, and sugar has been detected, it is said, within half a minute after the ...