Alpha-Amylase (Salivary)
Definition
An enzyme encoded by the AMY1 gene and secreted by the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. It cleaves starch at alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds and is present in saliva at concentrations orders of magnitude above most other body fluids.
Related terms
- Double-Swab Technique
- A collection method for dried biological stains in which a moistened swab rehydrates and lifts the stain from the surface, followed immediately...
- Isoforms of Amylase
- The human genome encodes multiple AMY loci. AMY1 products are expressed in saliva; AMY2 products are expressed in the pancreas. The two...
- Phadebas Test
- A colorimetric presumptive test for alpha-amylase activity. Phadebas tablets contain a blue-dyed insoluble starch; amylase releases soluble blue dye that is measured...
- Presumptive Vs. Confirmatory Testing
- Presumptive tests (Phadebas) give rapid screening results but have cross-reactants; they justify further analysis. Confirmatory or highly specific tests (RSID-Saliva, mRNA analysis)...
- RSID-Saliva
- Rapid Stain Identification of Saliva. An immunochromatographic lateral-flow assay using monoclonal antibodies specific to human salivary amylase. More specific than Phadebas, with...
Explained in
- Saliva Identification: Amylase and RSID-SalivaAn enzyme encoded by the AMY1 gene and secreted by the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. It cleaves starch at alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds and is pr...