ptyalin

American  

[tahy-uh-lin] / ˈtaɪ ə lɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. an enzyme in the saliva that converts starch into dextrin and maltose.

---

ptyalin British  

/ ˈtaɪəlɪn /

noun

1. biochem an amylase secreted in the saliva of man and other animals

---

ptyalin Scientific  

/ tī′ə-lĭn /

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

---

Etymology

Origin of ptyalin

1835–45; < Greek ptýal ( on ) spittle, saliva + -in ²

Example Sentences

With age, a digestive change definitely involving an enzyme occurs in the salivary glands : they secrete less ptyalin, an enzyme that converts starch into sugars.

From Time Magazine Archive

The action of the ptyalin commences with great promptness, and sugar has been detected, it is said, within half a minute after the starch was placed in the mouth.

From Hygienic Physiology : with Special Reference to the Use of Alcoholic Drinks and Narcotics by Steele, Joel Dorman

The saliva, which contains ptyalin, is secreted in the mouth.

From Maintaining Health Formerly Health and Efficiency by Alsaker, R. L.

The enzymes ptyalin and emulsin convert it into glucose and saligenin, ortho-oxybenzylalcohol, HO�C6H4�CH2OH.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2 "Gloss" to "Gordon, Charles George" by Various

The saliva is rich in ptyalin, which does not act upon proteids or fats, and is therefore not secreted in any appreciable quantity during the first year of infant life.

From The Fijians A Study of the Decay of Custom by Thomson, Basil