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Dictionary » A » Alpha-amylase

Alpha-amylase

Definition

noun, plural: alpha-amylases

A form of amylase in humans and other mammals that cuts alpha-bonds of large sugar molecules.


Supplement

In animals, the alpha-amylases are major digestive enzymes. The ptyalin (salivary amylase) and pancreatic amylase are examples of alpha-amylase. Ptyalin acts on linear α (1,4) glycosidic linkage to break large, insoluble starch molecules into soluble starches (amylodextrin, erythrodextrin, achrodextrin) producing successively smaller starches. Pancreatic α-amylase randomly cleaves the α (1-4) glycosidic linkages of amylose to yield dextrin, maltose or maltotriose. Alpha-amylases are calcium metalloenzymes, which means, they function only in the presence of calcium.

They are also found in plants, such as barley, and fungi (ascomycetes and basidiomycetes).


"Synonym: 1,4-α-D-glucan glucanohydrolase

Compare: beta-amylase


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