Final answer:
Salivary amylase is an enzyme in saliva that breaks down starch into sugars, beginning the process of carbohydrate decomposition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Salivary amylase is a digestive enzyme in saliva that specifically acts on starch, which is a type of carbohydrate. Saliva, which is an aqueous solution of proteins and ions secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands, begins the chemical digestion process. The function of this enzyme is to break down starch into smaller sugar molecules, a process known as the decomposition of carbohydrates. When you chew on something like a soda cracker for an extended period, it starts to taste sweet due to the action of salivary amylase converting starch into sugar.