ptyalin

American  

[tahy-uh-lin] / ˈtaɪ ə lɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

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

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ptyalin British  

/ ˈtaɪəlɪn /

noun

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

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of ptyalin

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

Example Sentences

Such is the agency of ptyalin in the saliva, of pepsin in the gastric juice, and of pancreatin or trypsin in the secretion of the pancreas, in the processes of digestion.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

This important function is due to an organic ingredient of the saliva called ptyalin.

From Project Gutenberg

A similar action takes place in the mouth as the result of the ptyalin in the salivary juices and in the intestines from the action of the starch-splitting enzyme, amylopsin, in the pancreatic juice.

From Project Gutenberg

The saliva contains ptyalin, a ferment converting starch into sugar, and it also serves to moisten the food as it is ground up by the cheek teeth.

From Project Gutenberg