JAMB Biology 1994 Question 16

Question 16

Food Substances and Enzymes

The activity of ptyalin is likely to decrease with an increase in the concentration of

  1. A.oxygen
  2. B.starch
  3. C.protein
  4. D.acid.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (acid.)

Explanation

Ptyalin (salivary amylase) works best in neutral or slightly alkaline conditions; acid slows it down, which is why it stops working in the stomach.