Answer:
Salivary amylase is the primary enzyme in saliva. Salivary amylase breaks down carbohydrates into smaller molecules, like sugars. Breaking down the large macromolecules into simpler components helps the body to digest starchy foods, like potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Step-by-step explanation:
During this process, larger carbohydrates, called amylopectin and amylose, are broken down into maltose. Maltose is a sugar that is composed of individual subunits of glucose, the human body's key source of energy.
Salivary amylase also has a function in our dental health. It helps to prevent starches from accumulating on our teeth. In addition to salivary amylase, humans also produce pancreatic amylase, which further breaks down starches later in the digestive process.