Other
BSC 2086 Salivary Amylase Activity.
- Course
- BSC 2086
- Institution
- Hillsborough Community College
This is a comprehensive and detailed practice material on; Salivary Amylase Activity. *Essential Study Material!!
[Show more]
Content preview
SALIVARY AMYLASE ACTIVITYEnzymes are proteins that facilitate chemical reactions in cells. These are reactions
that would happen spontaneously but at a rate much too slow to support life. Enzymes
allow biochemical reactions to proceed at rates of hundreds of times per second.
Because most are proteins, enzymes are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and
pH. Generally speaking, chemical reactions are faster as temperature increases.
However, boiling and extreme pH values denature (unravel) enzymes which
deactivates them.
Chemical reactions will proceed outside of the body and can be monitored using tests
that illustrate the presence or absence of specific molecules by changes in color.
Temperature and pH environments can be altered to determine what conditions are
ideal for enzyme activity.
Starch digestion
Most carbohydrate in our diet is provided by starchy foods. Enzymes called amylases
break apart the sugar units from starch. The first amylase to encounter food is salivary
amylase, which will break starch (the substrate) down into the disaccharide maltose
(the product) in our mouths. This explains why starchy foods begin to taste sweet
when you chew on them for a few minutes.
Tests for enzyme activity
The following demonstrations will evaluate the activity of salivary amylase on starch.
This is accomplished by monitoring the disappearance of starch and appearance of
sugar.
An iodine compound called Lugol’s reagent (IKI) can be added to a substance to test
for the presence of starch. When starch is present, it interacts with the iodine, which is
a golden color, to become a blue-black color. As starch is digested, it disappears so
that an iodine test would produce a golden color.
Benedict’s reagent tests for the presence of sugars. When heated, these sugars react
with Benedict’s reagent to produce colors ranging from yellows to oranges and reds. A
bluish green color indicates that there might only be a trace of sugar present. This
generally means that the glassware is contaminated from previous use.
, Experimental results may vary among saliva samples. Following meals, for example,
the concentration of amylase in saliva would be lowered. Additionally, there are
differences in the effectiveness of enzymes among individuals due to genetic variability.
Lab Activity
What you will need
Contents of Kit
Bottle of starch solution.
Bottle of Lugol’s solution.
Bottle of Benedict’s reagent.
Disposable pipets. These have a hash mark at 1 ml for measuring.
Test tubes.
Test tube clamp.
What you provide from home
Heat resistant mug to boil test tubes in.
A stove and small pot.
A clear glass to put test tubes in for photographs.
Tap water.
Waterproof marker or crayon.
Samples of several starchy foods such as bread, crackers, chips.
Samples of several light-colored fruits, such as apple, pear, pineapple.
Samples of a few light-colored liquids such as ginger ale, apple juice,
corn syrup, green tea.
These are the types of arrangements you’ll need to support and boil test tubes:
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller anyiamgeorge19. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $11.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
67474 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now