Amylase is an enzyme that helps break down carbohydrates, specifically starches, into simpler sugars like maltose and glucose. It is produced primarily in the salivary glands and the pancreas, playing a crucial role in digestion. There are two main types of amylase: salivary amylase (or ptyalin), which starts the digestion process in the mouth, and pancreatic amylase, which continues the process in the small intestine. Amylase levels can be measured in blood or urine for diagnostic purposes, particularly in conditions related to the pancreas.
The primary function of the enzyme amylase is to break down starches in food so that they can be used by the body. Amylase testing is usually done to determine the cause of sudden abdominal pain.
Amylase- breaks bonds between carbohydrate molecules.Maltase- they target the sugars maltose, sucrose, and lactose to produce monosaccharides.Elastase- targets elastase to produce short-chain peptides.Trypsin- acts on proteins and polypeptides to produce short-chain peptides.Lipase- targets triglycerides to produce fatty acids and monoglycerides.