Amylase: meaning, definitions and examples
๐งฌ
amylase
[ หรฆmษชleษชz ]
biochemistry function
Amylase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. It plays a crucial role in the digestion of carbohydrates, breaking down complex sugars into simpler sugars such as glucose and maltose. Amylase is produced in the salivary glands and pancreas, making it essential for digestive processes. This enzyme is found in various forms, primarily alpha-amylase and beta-amylase, each serving different functions in the breakdown of starch. The presence and activity of amylase can also be used clinically to assess pancreatic health or diagnose disorders.
Synonyms
amylolytic enzyme, carbohydrase, starch hydrolyzing enzyme.
Examples of usage
- Saliva contains amylase to begin carbohydrate digestion.
- Amylase levels can indicate pancreatic disease.
- This enzyme is vital for starch digestion in humans.
Translations
Translations of the word "amylase" in other languages:
๐ต๐น amilase
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฎเคพเคเคฒเฅเค
๐ฉ๐ช Amylase
๐ฎ๐ฉ amilase
๐บ๐ฆ ะฐะผัะปะฐะทะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ amylaza
๐ฏ๐ต ใขใใฉใผใผ
๐ซ๐ท amylase
๐ช๐ธ amilasa
๐น๐ท amilaz
๐ฐ๐ท ์๋ฐ๋ผ์์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฃู ูููุฒ
๐จ๐ฟ amylรกza
๐ธ๐ฐ amylรกza
๐จ๐ณ ๆท็ฒ้ ถ
๐ธ๐ฎ amilaza
๐ฎ๐ธ amรฝlasi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐะผะธะปะฐะทะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ amilaza
๐ฒ๐ฝ amilasa
Etymology
The term 'amylase' originates from the Greek word 'amylon', which means 'starch' or 'meal', and the suffix '-ase', used to denote enzymes. The discovery of amylase dates back to the mid-19th century when scientists began to explore the biochemical processes involved in digestion. In 1833, French chemist Anselme Payen was the first to isolate the enzyme from malt. He recognized its function in the breakdown of starch, which led to a greater understanding of carbohydrate metabolism. The identification and classification of amylase paved the way for further research into other enzymes and their roles in biological processes, especially digestion. Over the years, advancements in biochemistry and molecular biology have revealed more about the structure and function of amylase, including the different types that exist in various organisms.