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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Amylase and Amylose?

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Amylase and amylose are two distinct substances with different properties and functions. Here are the main differences between them:

  • Nature: Amylase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. Amylose, on the other hand, is a polysaccharide carbohydrate and a major constituent of starch.
  • Structure: Amylase has a tertiary structure of protein, while amylose has a linear straight chain structure made out of glucose units linked by α(1→4) glycosidic bonds.
  • Role: Amylase enzymes help in the digestion of starch by breaking it down into simpler sugars, such as maltose and glucose. Amylose, as a component of starch, acts as an energy storage and energy source in organisms.
  • Solubility: Amylose is soluble in water, while amylase is not.
  • Starch hydrolysis: Amylase enzymes can hydrolyze amylose in starch, yielding glucose units.
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  • What is the Difference Between Amylase and Amylose?
  • Comparative Table: Amylase vs Amylose

    • Comparative Table: Amylase vs Amylose

    Amylase and amylose are two distinct substances with different functions and structures. Here is a table comparing their differences:

    Feature Amylase Amylose
    Definition Amylase is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of starch into smaller units. Amylose is a polysaccharide carbohydrate that acts as an energy storage and energy source in organisms.
    Structure Amylase is a protein molecule. Amylose is a linear chain of α-D-glucose units joined together by α-1,4-glycosidic bonds.
    Function Amylase enzymes are secreted in various locations within our bodies, such as saliva and pancreatic juice in humans, and help break down starch into glucose monomers. Amylose is responsible for giving a deep blue color when treated with iodine, as iodine molecules fit into the helical structure of amylose.
    Sources Amylase enzymes are present in human saliva and pancreatic juice. Amylose is found in starchy foods like grains, potatoes, and corn.

    Amylase enzymes help in the processes of yielding energy from amylose, breaking down starch into smaller units, and finally degrading them to glucose monomers. On the other hand, amylose is a linear glucose polymer that serves as an energy storage and energy source in organisms.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.