Multiple Choice Questions on Endocrine System Related

Review Multiple Choice Questions on Endocrine System related questions and content

Saliva contains the enzyme salivary amylase. Which food type does salivary amylase begin to break down?

  • A. Proteins
  • B. Starches
  • C. Roughage
  • D. Fats
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Salivary amylase breaks down starches into simple sugars like maltose. Starch is a complex carbohydrate found in foods like bread, pasta, and rice. When you chew food, salivary amylase in saliva starts the digestion process by breaking down starch molecules. Proteins are broken down by stomach enzymes, roughage (fiber) is not digested by enzymes in the mouth, and fats are primarily digested in the small intestine by pancreatic lipase. Therefore, choice B, starches, is the correct answer as salivary amylase specifically targets this food type for initial breakdown.