PTYALINE Meaning and
Definition
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Ptyaline, also known as salivary amylase or alpha-amylase, is an enzyme found in the saliva of humans and various other animals. It is primarily responsible for initiating the digestion of starches and carbohydrates in the mouth.
The main role of ptyaline is to break down the complex carbohydrates present in food into smaller sugar molecules, such as maltose. It accomplishes this by catalyzing the hydrolysis of the alpha-1,4 glycosidic bonds that hold the starch molecules together.
When food enters the mouth, ptyaline is secreted into the saliva by the salivary glands. The enzyme immediately starts to break down the starches into smaller, more easily digestible molecules. This initial digestion process is important as it allows for the efficient absorption of essential nutrients from the food in the later stages of digestion.
Ptyaline works optimally at a neutral pH, typical of the oral cavity. However, its activity is halted once it reaches the acidic environment of the stomach, where another set of enzymes continue the digestion process.
Overall, ptyaline plays a crucial role in the chemical digestion of carbohydrates by initiating their breakdown in the mouth.
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A peculiar substance obtained from saliva.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PTYALINE
- -tyalin
- ptyalyn
- otyaline
- ltyaline
- -tyaline
- 0tyaline
- pryaline
- pfyaline
- pgyaline
- pyyaline
- p6yaline
- p5yaline
- pttaline
- ptgaline
- pthaline
- ptualine
- pt7aline
- pt6aline
- ptyzline
- ptysline
Etymology of PTYALINE
The word "ptyaline" comes from the Greek term "ptyalon" (πτύαλον), meaning "saliva". It is derived from the Greek verb "ptyein" (πτύειν), which means "to spit" or "to expectorate". The suffix "-ine" often indicates a substance or enzyme, hence "ptyaline" refers to an enzyme found in saliva.
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