amylase JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU
/ˈæmɪleɪs/ · am·y·lase
noun
- Any of a class of digestive enzymes, present in saliva, that break down complex carbohydrates such as starch into simpler sugars such as glucose. Egg yolk amylase is a type of amylase found in egg yolks, which can break down starches into glucose.
- A type of enzyme found in plants, responsible for breaking down starches into sugars. Amylase is an essential enzyme for plant growth and development.
Did you know? Amylase is essential for human digestion and is found in high concentrations in the saliva of humans and other mammals, where it helps break down starches into easily digestible sugars.