Biology question (AS)

TomWas'Ere2015

Hello. Right. So both salivary and pancreatic alpha-amylases hydrolyse 1,4 glycosidic links on carbohydrate chains, right? And they can attach anywhere along that chain, right? Amylopectin ultimately degrades into dextrins, maltose and glucose. So why is it that amylose only ultimately yields maltose and maltotriose? Why not glucose? Are the biomechanics different for short chain carbohydrates? Or is it that it is possible but not likely.

Would appreciate response.

Thanks in advance.

Reply 1

Changing Skies

22

Original post by TomWas'Ere2015

Hello. Right. So both salivary and pancreatic alpha-amylases hydrolyse 1,4 glycosidic links on carbohydrate chains, right? And they can attach anywhere along that chain, right? Amylopectin ultimately degrades into dextrins, maltose and glucose. So why is it that amylose only ultimately yields maltose and maltotriose? Why not glucose? Are the biomechanics different for short chain carbohydrates? Or is it that it is possible but not likely.

Would appreciate response.

Thanks in advance.

Moving to the biology section :h: