What is Alpha-amylase?
'''α-Amylase''' is an [[enzyme]]. It breaks down (hydrolyses) the bonds of large α-linked [[polysaccharide]]s, such as [[starch]] and [[glycogen]]. This gives shorter chains of [[dextrin]] and [[maltose]]. It is the main form of amylase in humans and other mammals. It is also present in [[Seed|seeds]] containing [[starch]] as a food reserve, and is secreted by many [[Fungus|fungi]]. Many people have more than one α-Amylase because they have tandem repeats of the gene. That shows how important the gene became to humans in their relatively recent evolution.. A [[diastase]] is any enzyme which breaks down starch. [[Category:Human body]] [[Category:Enzymes]]