Amylase: meaning, definitions and examples

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amylase

 

[ หˆรฆmษชleษชz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น amilase

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคเคฎเคพเค‡เคฒเฅ‡เคœ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Amylase

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ amilase

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฐะผั–ะปะฐะทะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ amylaza

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ขใƒŸใƒฉใƒผใ‚ผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท amylase

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ amilasa

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท amilaz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•„๋ฐ€๋ผ์•„์ œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃู…ูŠู„ูŠุฒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ amylรกza

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ amylรกza

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆท€็ฒ‰้…ถ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ amilaza

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ amรฝlasi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะผะธะปะฐะทะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ›แƒ˜แƒšแƒแƒ–แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ amilaza

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ amilasa

Word origin

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.