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Multiple Choice
Which of the following actions helps in the digestion of carbohydrates?
A
Release of pepsin in the stomach
B
Absorption of amino acids in the small intestine
C
Emulsification of fats by bile salts
D
Secretion of salivary amylase in the mouth
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of enzymes in digestion: Enzymes are biological catalysts that help break down macromolecules into smaller, absorbable units. Salivary amylase is an enzyme specifically involved in carbohydrate digestion.
Identify the function of salivary amylase: Salivary amylase is secreted by the salivary glands in the mouth and begins the process of breaking down starch (a polysaccharide) into maltose (a disaccharide). This is the first step in carbohydrate digestion.
Eliminate incorrect options: Pepsin in the stomach is involved in protein digestion, not carbohydrate digestion. Amino acid absorption in the small intestine pertains to proteins, and emulsification of fats by bile salts is related to lipid digestion.
Focus on the correct process: Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth with the secretion of salivary amylase. This enzyme acts on starch and glycogen, breaking them into simpler sugars.
Conclude the correct action: The secretion of salivary amylase in the mouth is the action that directly helps in the digestion of carbohydrates, as it initiates the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler forms.