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Why doesn't saliva contain enzymes to break down other food molecules?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Different food molecules require different enzymes in different conditions to be broken down effectively.
Protein, for example, is broken down quite easily at low pH, with the help of enzymes that operate at low pH. Producing these enzymes in saliva would be an inconvenient waste of time and energy, since the pH of saliva is not low enough for peptide hydrolysis (digestion of proteins) to take place anyway.
Saliva does contain an enzyme that breaks down lipids (fats), but this enzyme will not become very active until it reaches the stomach.
Amylase, which breaks down starch, works well in the conditions of the saliva, so it is sensible to introduce it here.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoits funny
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Do mucous membranes contain enzymes?
Yes, things such as LYSOZOMES (antiseptic in saliva).
What does saliva contain to break down molecules?
um i think it kinda squishes it somehow Saliva contains an enzyme which helps to facilitate the digestive process .The enzymes will break down the fats and starches to a molecular level.
How is starch changed by saliva in the mouth?
It changes into smaller molecules by the saliva.
What is the properties of saliva?
Saliva means the liquid stuff in your mouth to help you digest your food when chewing (spit)
Is enzyme in saliva a physical or chemical change?
i know that its physical change because all you saliva is doing is making the food wet
Do enzymes in a leeches saliva promote healing?
Leeches have enzymes in their saliva that do the opposite of promoting healing. They contain enzymes that keep blood from clotting.
Does saliva have chemicals?
Saliva contain water mucus, glycoproteins, electrolytes, blood cells, enzymes, etc.
Do mucous membranes contain enzymes?
Yes, things such as LYSOZOMES (antiseptic in saliva).
What does saliva contain to break down molecules?
um i think it kinda squishes it somehow Saliva contains an enzyme which helps to facilitate the digestive process .The enzymes will break down the fats and starches to a molecular level.
What does saliva contain to speed up chemical reactions?
enzymes. it is also find in plants.
What contain enzymes and is specialized to break down and ingested materials?
Stomach acids and I think saliva
What do enzymes do in saliva?
The only enzymes I am aware of in saliva are Amylase enzymes. These enzymes break down Carbohydrates. Hope this helps!
How is starch changed by saliva in the mouth?
It changes into smaller molecules by the saliva.
What is the properties of saliva?
Saliva means the liquid stuff in your mouth to help you digest your food when chewing (spit)
Is enzymes saliva?
No but it contains and is rich in enzymes
What hormones are in saliva?
There are no hormones in saliva.There are enzymes in saliva.
What gland secreting enzymes are made in saliva?
saliva glands
