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.

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.

We are committed to bringing you Greener Alternative Products, which adhere to one or more of The 12 Principles of Greener Chemistry. This product has been enhanced for energy efficiency and waste prevention when used in starch ethanol research. For more information see the article in biofiles.

Other Notes

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

Packaging

1000, 5000 units in glass bottle

Physical form

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

Unit Definition

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