Give four reasons why salivary amylase cannot act on proteins.
Expert Answers
| Certified Educator
calendarEducator since 2010
write1,786 answers
starTop subjects are Science, Social Sciences, and Literature
The enzyme known as amylase acts on a specific substrate which is starch. The chemical reaction of starch begins in the mouth as it begins to hydrolyze into maltose, a sugar. Amylase, as all other enzymes, are very specific. One reason is that their 3-dimensional shape has a particular active site that binds to a substrate based on the molecular shape, much like a key fits to a particular lock. Other factors that affect enzyme specificity are charge as well as the hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics of both enzyme and substrate.
Related Questions
- Why is salivary amylase unable to function in the stomach??Biology
- 2 Educator Answers
- Why does the action of salivary amylase stop at the stomach?
- 1 Educator Answer
- What are five reasons why one should study anatomy and physiology?
- 1 Educator Answer
- Consider the three major classes of biologically important molecules: proteins, lipids, and...
- 1 Educator Answer
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime.
Ask a Question
Popular Questions
- What's the difference between speed and velocity?
-
2 educator answers
- How do you calculate the number of neutrons?
-
1 educator answer
- What is the difference between the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and rough endoplasmic reticulum
-
1 educator answer
- What are the three parts of the cell theory?
-
2 educator answers
- What are ten examples of solutions that you might find in your home?
-
2 educator answers
- What are the functions of a computer?
-
1 educator answer