Question

Which of the following is correct about saliva?

• A. Alpha-amylase is the only enzyme found in saliva.
• B. Saliva has salivary pepsin
• C. Saliva has alpha-amylase and lysozyme
• D. Lysozyme is the only enzyme found in saliva.

Hint:

Remember saliva has two main jobs to start with: \textbf{Digestion} (with amylase for carbs) and \textbf{Defense} (with lysozyme against bacteria).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Let's examine the enzymatic content of human saliva.
Step 1: Identify major enzymes in saliva.
- Alpha-amylase (also called ptyalin): This is a primary enzyme in saliva that begins the process of starch digestion by breaking it down into smaller sugars.
- Lysozyme: This enzyme has antibacterial properties. It breaks down the cell walls of certain bacteria, providing a first line of defense against oral infections.
- Lingual lipase: Secreted by glands on the tongue, it begins the digestion of fats, although it is mostly activated in the acidic environment of the stomach.

Step 2: Evaluate the options.
(1) & (4) These are incorrect because saliva contains multiple enzymes, including both alpha-amylase and lysozyme.
(2) Saliva does not contain pepsin. Pepsin is a protease found in the stomach that digests proteins.
(3) This statement is correct. Saliva contains both alpha-amylase for digestion and lysozyme for antibacterial action.