ptyalin

pty·a·lin  (t-ln)

n.

A form of amylase in the saliva of humans and some animals that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into maltose and dextrin.

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[Greek ptualon, saliva (from ptein, to spit) + -in.]

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ptyalin  (t-ln)

An enzyme found in the saliva of humans and herbivorous animals that helps in the predigestion of starches. Ptyalin is a type of amylase.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

ptyalin - an amylase secreted in saliva saliva, spittle, spit - a clear liquid secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands and mucous glands of the mouth; moistens the mouth and starts the digestion of starches amylase - any of a group of proteins found in saliva and pancreatic juice and parts of plants; help convert starch to sugar