Difference Between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase
The major differences between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase are given below:
| Characteristics | Alpha-Amylase | Alpha-Glucosidase |
| Function |
Breaks down complex carbohydrates (starch) into smaller units (oligosaccharides) |
Breaks down disaccharides (e.g., maltose, sucrose, lactose) into the individual glucose molecules |
| Substrate |
Starch, glycogen |
Disaccharides |
| Location |
the Salivary glands and pancreas (produced and secreted) |
The surface of the epithelial cells lining the small intestine |
| Glycosidic Bonds |
Hydrolyzes internal glycosidic bonds within starch molecules |
Cleaves glycosidic bonds in disaccharides |
| End Product |
Oligosaccharides (e.g., maltose) |
Glucose |
| Digestive Stage |
The initial stage of the carbohydrate digestion |
The final stage of the carbohydrate digestion |
| Impact on Blood Sugar |
Breaks down carbohydrates into smaller units for further digestion |
Facilitates the release of glucose for absorption into the bloodstream |
| Inhibition |
Inhibition leads to the incomplete carbohydrate breakdown |
Inhibition leads to delayed glucose release and improved blood sugar control |
| Examples |
Salivary amylase, pancreatic amylase |
Alpha-glucosidase enzymes on the intestinal epithelial cells |
Difference Between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase
The difference between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase lies in their specific roles in carbohydrate digestion. Alpha-Amylase breaks down starches into smaller polysaccharides, while Alpha-Glucosidase further breaks down these polysaccharides into glucose units.
Both Alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase are two enzymes involved in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler forms during digestion. In this article, we will cover the difference between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase.
Difference Between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase
Table of Content
- Difference Between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase
- What is Alpha-Amylase?
- What is Alpha-Glucosidase?
- Conclusion – Difference Between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase
- Other Articles Related to Difference
- FAQs on Difference Between Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase