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

Human saliva's enzymatic components are analyzed below.
Phase 1: Saliva's Main Enzymes.
- Alpha-amylase (ptyalin): Initiates starch digestion, breaking it into smaller sugars.
- Lysozyme: Possesses antibacterial properties, disrupting bacterial cell walls to combat oral infections.
- Lingual lipase: Secreted by the tongue, begins fat digestion, primarily activated in the stomach's acidic environment.

Phase 2: Option Evaluation.
(1) & (4) Incorrect; saliva contains multiple enzymes, including both alpha-amylase and lysozyme.
(2) Saliva lacks pepsin, a protein-digesting protease found in the stomach.
(3) Correct; saliva includes alpha-amylase for digestion and lysozyme for antibacterial defense.