The saliva helps in the digestion of food in animals. What does it do?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Breaks down starch into sugar.
Saliva plays an important role in the digestion of food in animals. Its primary function is to break down starch into sugar with the help of an enzyme called amylase. This chemical breakdown begins in the mouth, making food easier to swallow and digest in the stomach and intestines. Besides digestion, saliva also moistens food, helping it pass smoothly through the esophagus, and assists in sensing taste, but its main digestive role is the conversion of starch into simpler sugars.