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Amylase

(Science: enzyme) An enzyme produced in the pancreas and salivary glands. Elevation of the blood amylase is common in conditions of pancreatitis. Any of a group of proteins found in saliva and pancreatic Juice and parts of plants; help convert starch to sugar.Amylase is an enzyme that can break down starch, a polysaccharide into more simple and readily usable sugars. The enzyme is present in the saliva of mouth to begin breakdown of foodstuff, though most of its activity is in the stomach in mammals. In plants, amylase is commonly used in seeds, where amylase breaks down starch into a sugar which can be used by the embryo to induce growth.