Class 7 Exam > Class 7 Questions > What does saliva do to food?a)Makes it sweete...
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What does saliva do to food?
- a)Makes it sweeter
- b)Breaks down starch into sugars
- c)Changes its color
- d)Turns it into liquid
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
What does saliva do to food?a)Makes it sweeterb)Breaks down starch int...
Saliva helps in breaking down the starch in food into sugars. This makes it easier for our bodies to digest the food we eat. So, saliva plays an important role in making food easier for our bodies to use for energy.
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What does saliva do to food?a)Makes it sweeterb)Breaks down starch int...
Understanding the Role of Saliva in Digestion
Saliva plays a crucial role in the initial stages of digestion, particularly in breaking down carbohydrates. Here’s how it works:
Composition of Saliva
- Saliva is a watery fluid produced by salivary glands.
- It contains enzymes, electrolytes, mucus, and antibacterial compounds.
Enzymatic Action on Starch
- The primary enzyme in saliva is amylase, specifically salivary amylase.
- Amylase begins the process of breaking down starch, a complex carbohydrate, into simpler sugars like maltose.
Importance of Starch Breakdown
- Starch is a major source of energy found in foods like bread, rice, and potatoes.
- The breakdown into sugars makes it easier for the body to absorb and utilize these nutrients.
Other Functions of Saliva
- While saliva does make food easier to swallow by moistening it, it does not significantly change the color of food.
- It can enhance sweetness by breaking down starches, but the primary function remains the enzymatic breakdown.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct answer to the question about saliva's effect on food is option 'B': it breaks down starch into sugars. This enzymatic action is vital for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption, laying the groundwork for further digestive processes in the stomach and intestines.
Saliva plays a crucial role in the initial stages of digestion, particularly in breaking down carbohydrates. Here’s how it works:
Composition of Saliva
- Saliva is a watery fluid produced by salivary glands.
- It contains enzymes, electrolytes, mucus, and antibacterial compounds.
Enzymatic Action on Starch
- The primary enzyme in saliva is amylase, specifically salivary amylase.
- Amylase begins the process of breaking down starch, a complex carbohydrate, into simpler sugars like maltose.
Importance of Starch Breakdown
- Starch is a major source of energy found in foods like bread, rice, and potatoes.
- The breakdown into sugars makes it easier for the body to absorb and utilize these nutrients.
Other Functions of Saliva
- While saliva does make food easier to swallow by moistening it, it does not significantly change the color of food.
- It can enhance sweetness by breaking down starches, but the primary function remains the enzymatic breakdown.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct answer to the question about saliva's effect on food is option 'B': it breaks down starch into sugars. This enzymatic action is vital for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption, laying the groundwork for further digestive processes in the stomach and intestines.
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Community Answer
What does saliva do to food?a)Makes it sweeterb)Breaks down starch int...
Saliva contains special enzymes that
help digest the starches in your food
. An enzyme called amylase breaks down starches (complex carbohydrates) into sugars, which your body can more easily absorb. Saliva also contains an enzyme called lingual lipase, which breaks down fats.
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