Final answer:
Salivary amylase is most active in the mouth, where it breaks down carbohydrates, specifically starch. It works optimally at a pH of 6.9 and requires certain activators. The enzyme begins breaking down starch into sugars in the mouth, aiding in digestion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Salivary amylase is most active in the mouth. It is an enzyme in saliva that breaks down carbohydrates, specifically starch. When you start eating, saliva wets the food, making it easier to break up and swallow. Digestive enzymes, including amylase, start breaking down starches into sugars in the mouth. Salivary amylase works optimally at a pH of 6.9 and requires Ca++ and Cl¯ as activators.