asked 17.6k views
3 votes
The enzyme amylase in human saliva breaks down starch polymers into smaller sugar units. however, it cannot break down cellulose polymers. both are made of glucose monomers, but in cellulose the monomers are linked together in a different shape than in starch. why can't amylase digest cellulose

asked
User Mizux
by
7.7k points

1 Answer

2 votes
Because it says that  "in cellulose the monomers are linked together in a different shape" maybe it has to do with how the cellulose doesn't fit into the active site of enzyme amylase as it has different shape that starch
answered
User Sergii
by
8.3k points
Welcome to Qamnty — a place to ask, share, and grow together. Join our community and get real answers from real people.