Q.79 The enzyme amylase can break alpha glycosidic linkages between glucose monomers. Hence, amylase
can digest which one of the following carbohydrates?
(A) Cellulose
(B) Starch
(C) Chitin
(D) Xylans
Amylase breaks alpha glycosidic linkages in glucose polymers, making it essential for carbohydrate digestion. The correct answer to the query is (B) Starch. This enzyme targets starches like amylose and amylopectin found in foods such as potatoes and grains.
Correct Answer
Starch is digested by amylase because it consists of glucose monomers linked by alpha-1,4 and alpha-1,6 glycosidic bonds. Salivary and pancreatic amylase hydrolyze these bonds into maltose and dextrins for further breakdown in the intestine. This process starts in the mouth and continues in the small intestine.
Option Explanations
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(A) Cellulose: Composed of beta-1,4 glycosidic bonds, cellulose forms linear chains resistant to amylase; cellulase from microbes digests it instead.
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(B) Starch: Correct, as detailed above with alpha linkages matching amylase specificity.
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(C) Chitin: Features beta-1,4 linkages between N-acetylglucosamine units; chitinase enzymes target it, not amylase.
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(D) Xylans: Polysaccharides of xylose with beta-1,4 linkages; xylanases degrade them, beyond amylase’s action.
