If salivary glands do not work properly, the initial digestion of which food component will be most affected?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Starch
The governing concept is chemical digestion in the mouth. Saliva contains salivary amylase, an enzyme that begins breaking starch into simpler sugars, mainly maltose, during chewing. If the salivary glands malfunction, this first stage of starch digestion is reduced or absent, although digestion may continue later in the small intestine. Therefore option A is correct. Fat, minerals and water are not the food components initially digested by salivary amylase.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Starch
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing concept is chemical digestion in the mouth. Saliva contains salivary amylase, an enzyme that begins breaking starch into simpler sugars, mainly maltose, during chewing. If the salivary glands malfunction, this first stage of starch digestion is reduced or absent, although digestion may continue later in the small intestine. Therefore option A is correct. Fat, minerals and water are not the food components initially digested by salivary amylase.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: World of Living. Topic: Life Processes.
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