diastase

American  

[dahy-uh-steys, -steyz] / ˈdaɪ əˌsteɪs, -ˌsteɪz /

1. an enzyme that breaks down starch into maltose, then dextrose, and is present in malt.

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diastase British  

/ ˈdaɪəˌsteɪs, -ˌsteɪz /

noun

1. any of a group of enzymes that hydrolyse starch to maltose. They are present in germinated barley and in the pancreas See also amylase

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Other Word Forms

• diastasic adjective

Etymology

Origin of diastase

< French diastase (1833) < Greek diástasis; diastasis, -ase

Example Sentences

In 1925 Seubert of Germany found plant-stimulating substances outside of plants�in saliva, pepsin, malt extract, diastase.

From Time Magazine Archive

This is effected by a secretion called diastase which is found in the tubers in the immediate vicinity of the eyes or buds.

From The Church of England Magazine - Volume 10, No. 263, January 9, 1841 by Various

This hydrolysis is brought about by the enzyme "diastase," which is present in the sprouting grain.

From The Chemistry of Plant Life by Thatcher, Roscoe Wilfred

The first product of starch degradation by either acids or diastase, namely soluble starch, also exhibits the same coloration when treated with iodine.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3 "Brescia" to "Bulgaria" by Various

The thick sticky form is the best because the diastase is then in an active condition.

From The Healthy Life, Vol. V, Nos. 24-28 The Independent Health Magazine by Daniel, Charles William