Below is a picture of amylase, an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of starches into sugar. Amylase is present in the saliva of humans and some other mammals,
where it begins the chemical process of digestion. The optimal pH of amylase is 6.0
and temperature of 98.6. Foods that contain large amounts of starch but little sugar,
such as rice and potatoes, may acquire a slightly sweet taste as they are chewed
because amylase degrades some of their starch into sugar.
B
--
In this reaction,
is used up.
is changed
remains unchanged.