Human Salivary Amylase

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Introduction

Salivary amylase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes starch in the oral cavity of humans. This enzyme is produced by salivary glands, although the majority of amylases in humans are produced in the pancreas. It consists of a single polypeptide chain of 496 amino acid residues that weighs 56 kDa. The starches hydrolyzed yield maltose which can then be used to produce glucose. Studies have postulated that salivary amylase stimulates physiological responses that prepare the digestive system to metabolize and absorb nutrients (REF). Additionally, salivary amylase is shown to inhibit the biofilm formation of several bacterial species, indicating a possible role in preventing oral bacterial infections (REF). Interestingly enough, this enzyme not only exists in humans but in other omnivores and some herbivores. However, obligate carnivores, such as house cats, lack this oral enzyme (REF).

Structure

Active Site

Ligands

Evolutionary Relationship

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