Salivary amylase is a glucose-polymer cleavage enzyme that is produced by the salivary glands. ... Amylases digest starch into smaller molecules, ultimately yielding maltose, which in turn is cleaved into two glucose molecules by maltase.

Is starch broken down by amylase?

Amylase, any member of a class of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis (splitting of a compound by addition of a water molecule) of starch into smaller carbohydrate molecules such as maltose (a molecule composed of two glucose molecules).

Does amylase break down starch or protein?

amylase and other carbohydrase enzymes break down starch into sugar. protease enzymes break down proteins into amino acids.