Enzymes are key to the breakdown of larger molecules for use in organisms. AmylaseÃÂs role is to break down starch in living organisms, into smaller carbohydrates. Certain industries rely on amylase for the hydrolysis of starch. There are conditions for optimal usage of amylase in different environments. The hydrolysis of starch through use of amylase is an important part of consumption of food in living organisms.
Amylase is an enzyme that is used to digest starch in humans, and mammals, by breaking it down into smaller carbohydrates. There are two well-known types of amylase that are alpha and beta-amylase. Alpha-amylase tends to be found in mammals, where it is a necessary part of the digestive tract, or in plants (www.answers.com). Beta-amylase tends to be found in bacteria, fungi and plants (www.medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com). Both forms of amylase break down polysaccharides that are known as complex carbohydrates. If the starch is not broken down it can have varying affects on a personÃÂs health.
Ribbon diagram of human salivary alpha-amylase. Cr...
Ribbon diagram of human pancreatic alpha-amylase. ...
Robots used for the high-throughput screening of c...If too many carbohydrates are produced, they are stored as fat in the body, and can cause obesity. Carbohydrates, and starch are ingested through food, to be broken down into more immediate sources of energy. Starch is a carbohydrate found in plants, such as vegetables, and fruits (www.enzymeessentials.com). Alpha-amylase is often referred to as glycogenase, and requires calcium to function. Enzymes, such as alpha amylase, are part of the category of enzymes known as calcium metalloenzymes (www.questia.com). Beta amylase can also be referred to as glycogenase, and catalyzes the hydrolysis of the alpha one, four glycosidic bond (www.medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com). This helps to cause the ripening of fruit, by breaking the starch in fruit into smaller sugars. The result of this is a sweeter taste, which is found later in the season, when there is a build up of the sugars. Amylase...