Q. Saliva helps in the digestion of _____:
Answer: Starch
Notes: Produced in salivary glands, saliva is 98% water, but it contains many important substances, including electrolytes, mucus, antibacterial compounds and various enzymes. The digestive functions of saliva include moistening food, and helping to create a food bolus, so that it can be swallowed easily. Saliva contains the enzyme amylase that breaks some starch down into maltose and dextrin. Thus, digestion of food occurs within the mouth, even before food reaches the stomach.