Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN: 9780134580999
Author: Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher: PEARSON
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### Activity: Exploring Enzyme Activity in Saliva

**Objective:** Understand how enzymes in saliva break down starch and observe the resulting taste change.

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**Instructions:**

1. **Preparation:**
   - Obtain a piece of bread.
   - Make sure not to swallow the bread during the activity.

2. **Observation:**
   - Start chewing a piece of bread and keep it in your mouth for a few minutes WITHOUT SWALLOWING.
   - Pay close attention to the taste changes over time.

3. **Expected Result:**
   - Initially, the bread will taste as you normally expect it to.
   - After a few minutes, the taste will change and the bread will begin to taste sweet.

**Explanation:**
   - Saliva contains an enzyme called amylase that digests (breaks down) starch.
   - Starch, the complex carbohydrate present in bread, is broken down into simpler sugars by the action of amylase.
   - As the starch is broken down into sugars, the bread tastes sweeter due to the presence of these simpler sugars.

**Question for Reflection:**
- Why does the bread begin to taste sweet after a few minutes of chewing?

---

***Note:*** This activity demonstrates a basic principle of digestion and the role of enzymes in breaking down food into simpler substances that can be more easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
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Transcribed Image Text:### Activity: Exploring Enzyme Activity in Saliva **Objective:** Understand how enzymes in saliva break down starch and observe the resulting taste change. --- **Instructions:** 1. **Preparation:** - Obtain a piece of bread. - Make sure not to swallow the bread during the activity. 2. **Observation:** - Start chewing a piece of bread and keep it in your mouth for a few minutes WITHOUT SWALLOWING. - Pay close attention to the taste changes over time. 3. **Expected Result:** - Initially, the bread will taste as you normally expect it to. - After a few minutes, the taste will change and the bread will begin to taste sweet. **Explanation:** - Saliva contains an enzyme called amylase that digests (breaks down) starch. - Starch, the complex carbohydrate present in bread, is broken down into simpler sugars by the action of amylase. - As the starch is broken down into sugars, the bread tastes sweeter due to the presence of these simpler sugars. **Question for Reflection:** - Why does the bread begin to taste sweet after a few minutes of chewing? --- ***Note:*** This activity demonstrates a basic principle of digestion and the role of enzymes in breaking down food into simpler substances that can be more easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
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