Which enzyme present in saliva breaks down starch into simple sugar?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Salivary amylase
Saliva contains the enzyme salivary amylase, which begins the digestion of starch in the mouth and breaks it down into a simple sugar (maltose). This is why a piece of chapati chewed for some time starts to taste sweet.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Cellulase — Incorrect. Breaks down cellulose; humans do not make it.
Option (2) Hemicellulase — Incorrect. Breaks down hemicellulose, another part of plant cell walls.
Option (4) Chitinase — Incorrect. Breaks down chitin, the material of insect skeletons and fungal cell walls.