Amylase

Required practical 4 investigates how pH affects the rate at which amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into sugars, digests a starch solution.

For example, amylase breaks down starch into the sugar maltose. Enzymes that catalyse synthesis help cells build the carbohydrates, proteins and lipids they need. Without enzyme catalysis, many essential reactions would be too slow to sustain life.