This is a question in a lab for my Physiology calss and to my knowledge amylase are in your saliva, liver and pancreas. And cellulose breaks down fiber. Can anyone shed some light on this for me. I am looking it up in the book and I am not really finding a definite yes or no answer.
2007-01-26 11:20:11 · 7 answers · asked by Brown Eyed Girl 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Cellulose is an undigestible fiber from plants (it helps form cell walls in plants). It's in the food you eat. You said that cellulose breaks down fiber...cellulose IS a type of fiber. The bacteria in the large intestine can't even digest it. Amylase is a starch-dissolving enzyme from the salivary glands (in your saliva) and also secreted by the pancreas (to digest starch in the small intestine). Since cellulose is undigestible, amylase can't touch it. So, the short answer to your question is: No, amylase cannot digest cellulose as cellulose is an undigestible carbohydrate - a type of fiber.
2007-01-26 12:21:08 · answer #1 · answered by Sherb 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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RE:
Can Amylase digest Cellulose?
This is a question in a lab for my Physiology calss and to my knowledge amylase are in your saliva, liver and pancreas. And cellulose breaks down fiber. Can anyone shed some light on this for me. I am looking it up in the book and I am not really finding a definite yes or no answer.
2015-08-14 11:26:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Amylase can only break down starches to obtain energy. However, humans do not have the necessary enzyme to break down cellulose. Cellulose is just one type of fiber - different types of plants have varying amounts and kinds of fiber, including pectin, gum, mucilage, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. So, cellulose cannot be broken down for energy.
2007-01-26 11:49:03 · answer #3 · answered by Niotulove 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cellulose is not broken down by amylase. Cellulose is fiber, and actually passes through you pretty much undigested.
2007-01-26 11:33:56 · answer #4 · answered by citrus punch 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, amylase can only digest starch. Only bacteria and fungi possess enzymes capable of digesting cellulose. Even creatures such as termites and cows who get most of their calories from cellulose require bacteria to digest it for them.
2007-01-26 11:51:39 · answer #5 · answered by Sciencenut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know that humans cannot digest cellulose and, since amylase is present in OUR saliva, liver and pancreas, I would say it cannot digest it.
It's my logic though...
I wish you luck♥
2007-01-26 11:35:45 · answer #6 · answered by ♥βετ§¥♥ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, because cellulose is indigestable in nature. Cellulose cannot be digested but it can be break down to fiber that aids in digestion.(I think)
2007-01-26 15:39:06 · answer #7 · answered by tralala 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe the only thing Amylase can break down is starch. More information can be found at the link below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amylase
2007-01-26 11:31:55 · answer #8 · answered by Tigereye 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋