[Campbell Biology P.955] Which of the following statements about saliva and its components i... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements about saliva and its components is most accurate according to the provided text?

  • A: Salivary amylase's primary role is to complete starch digestion in the mouth.
  • B: Mucus in saliva mainly serves to initiate protein digestion.
  • C: The main hypothesis for the presence of a large amount of amylase in saliva is to release food particles stuck to teeth, reducing nutrients for oral microorganisms.
  • D: Lysozyme in saliva primarily neutralizes acid to prevent tooth decay.

Explanation

The text states: 'A current hypothesis is that amylase in saliva releases food particles that are stuck to the teeth, thereby reducing the nutrients available to microorganisms living in the mouth.' Mucus lubricates and protects, and buffers neutralize acid. Lysozyme is an antimicrobial agent. Most chemical digestion happens in the small intestine, not just by salivary amylase.