Final answer:
The salivary gland enzyme amylase converts starches into sugars, beginning the process of chemical digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The salivary gland enzyme amylase plays an essential role in the process of digestion. Specifically, amylase is responsible for converting starches into sugars, thereby beginning the chemical digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth. Amylase breaks down large starch molecules into smaller sugar molecules, which explains why a cracker tastes sweet after chewing it for an extended period due to the decomposition of carbohydrates by amylase.
It is important to note that salivary amylase is not responsible for breaking down proteins or fats. Proteins are typically broken down by different enzymes such as pepsin in the stomach, and fats are broken down by enzymes like lipase. Thus, in terms of digestive functions, amylase is primarily involved with starch digestion, contributing to the saliva aqueous solution of proteins and ions secreted by the salivary glands.