Question

hey!! I have to make a science experiment on the human body that can answer these questions:

1) Does amylase break down starch?
2) Do acidic conditions deactivate amylase?
3How is stomach acid neutralized in the small intestine?


but I'm completely out of ideas. I'm new to this site and It would be awesome if someone could help me out. thanks!!

Answer 1

anyone please

Answer 2

please guys

Answer 3

The answer you're expected to give in your science test depends on what level of biology/biochemistry you're studying because this is actually quite a complex subject.

In very simple terms amylase breaks starch into chunks which may include maltose (which is then broken into glucose by maltase). But...

There are actually three types of amylase:-

alpha-amylase such as found in humans, breaks starch chains at random points in the starch chain. By repeated action on the chain, the end products are glucose, maltose and a number of other small saccharides (depending on which type of starch you start with)

beta-amylase starts at one end of the starch chain and chops off two units of glucose (i.e. maltose) at a time. This form of amylase is found in bacteria and fungi and is often the form used in lab experiments.

gamma-amylase breaks off single links and therefore directly produces glucose as an end product

Answer 4

for ur second question ...Yes. It will stop working if it becomes too acidic. I believe amylase works best slightly under neutral pH but if it is too acidic, then the amylase will stop acting as a catalyst.

Answer 5

and for ur 3rd and last question......The duodenum secretes sodium bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid (hydrochloric acid)
This is the reaction: NaHCO3+HCl→NaCl+H2O+CO2
As you see this reaction produces a salt (HCl) and a salt in solution conducts electricity.
As an experiment you could measure the conductivity of stomach acid and stomach acid with sodium bicarbonate added. When you add the bicarbonate the conductivity will rise.

Answer 6

@habbababba1 really good answer actually.

Answer 7

thanks @Frostbite

Answer 8

whos ur teacher?

Answer 9

Did u make sure on msg board to make sure that they didnt change it because my teacher chaged it