In human saliva, the enzyme amylase breaks down the starch i…
In human saliva, the enzyme amylase breaks down the starch in foods such as potatoes, rice, and pasta into smaller sugar subunits including its monomer glucose. This process begins in the mouth. If amylase were not present in saliva, the breakdown of starch would still occur, but at a much slower rate. What is the role of salivary amylase in this reaction?