alpha-Amylase from human saliva (C15-1289-742)

General description

Human α-amylase is made up of 496 amino acids in a single polypeptide chain, which is encrypted on chromosome 1. These are produced either in the salivary glands or the pancreas. The salivary and pancreatic α-amylases have homologous primary sequence but exhibit different cleavage patterns.

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Application

α-Amylase is used to hydrolyze α bonds of α-linked polysaccharides, such as starch and glycogen. Product A1031 is from human saliva, is type IIA, and is supplied as a lyophilized powder. α-Amylase has been used in various plant studies, such as metabolism studies in Arabidopsis . α-Amylase from human saliva has been used to study the development of nutraceuticals, which may aid the treatment of diabetes and obesity .

Biochem/physiol Actions

α-Amylase hydrolyzes the α-(1,4) glucan linkages in polysaccharides of three or more α-(1,4) linked D-glucose units. Natural substrates such as starch and glycogen are broken down into glucose and maltose.

Unit Definition

One unit will liberate 1.0 mg of maltose from starch in 3 min at pH 6.9 at 20 °C.

Physical form

Lyophilized powder containing (NH₄)₂SO₄, sodium citrate and sodium chloride.

Other Notes

View more information on enzymes for complex carbohydrate analysis at www.sigma-aldrich.com/enzymeexplorer