How Do You Spell AMYLASE?

Pronunciation: [ˈamɪlˌe͡ɪs] (IPA)

Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starch into sugars. The correct spelling of this word is [ˈæmɪleɪz]. The reason for this spelling is due to the word's etymology, which comes from the Greek words "amylon" meaning starch and "-ase" meaning enzyme. The "a" is pronounced as the short "a" sound in "cat," followed by "m" and "i" pronounced as "ih." The "l" and "e" are pronounced together as "lay," followed by "z" at the end pronounced as "zuh."

AMYLASE Meaning and Definition

1. Amylase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch and glycogen into smaller glucose molecules. It is a type of carbohydrase, specifically an endoamylase, and is produced in various organisms, including animals, plants, and microorganisms. Amylase is responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, such as maltose and glucose, which can be easily absorbed and utilized by living organisms.

   This enzyme plays a crucial role in the digestive system of animals, where it is primarily produced and secreted by the salivary glands and pancreas. In humans, salivary amylase initiates the digestion process by breaking down starch into maltose and dextrin in the mouth, while pancreatic amylase further continues the hydrolysis of starch into smaller glucose units in the small intestine.

   Apart from digestion, amylase also finds applications in various industries. It is utilized in the manufacturing of certain food products such as bread, beer, and malted beverages, as it helps to convert starch into fermentable sugars during the fermentation process. Moreover, amylase is employed in the production of detergents, paper, textiles, and biofuels, due to its ability to break down starch-based materials.

   Overall, amylase is an essential enzyme that facilitates the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler forms, serving vital functions in both biological systems and industrial processes.

2. A starch-splitting or amylolytic enzyme, which causes hydrolytic cleavage of the starch molecule.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for AMYLASE

• anylyse
• anylise
• aplase
• aylse
• alase
• amylyse
• amylasse
• mylase
• amylas
• maylase
• mylage
• amyllate
• Anelase
• gylase
• amyasa
• ampliase
• ammase
• Mamulaes
• Amilaze
• Amelase
• Ameylase
• Amialase
• Amilas
• amsease
• Aemylate

Etymology of AMYLASE

The word "amylase" comes from the combination of two roots: "amyl" and "-ase".

1. "Amyl" comes from the Greek word "amylon", which means "starch". This root is directly related to "amylon" in Latin, which also means "starch".

2. "-ase" is a suffix that indicates an enzyme or a substance that acts as an enzyme. It comes from the Greek suffix "-asis", which denotes "action" or "process".

Therefore, "amylase" refers to an enzyme that acts on starch, breaking it down into smaller molecules such as maltose and glucose, through the process of hydrolysis.

Similar spelling words for AMYLASE

• amylaceous,
• amalgamate,
• amalgam.

Plural form of AMYLASE is AMYLASES