Amylopsin

/ˌæmɪˈlɒpsɪn/ noun

Definition

An enzyme secreted by the pancreas that breaks down starch into maltose (a simple sugar); also called pancreatic amylase.

Etymology

From amylo- (starch) + -opsin (from opsein, to see or act upon); named for its action on starch molecules.

Kelly Says

Amylopsin is one of your pancreas's secret weapons—after your saliva starts digesting starch, amylopsin takes over in your small intestine to finish the job, turning complex carbs into absorbable sugars.

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