Amylase

Amylases are enzymes that break down starch into short sugars. Amylase is excreted in the mouth and small intestine. Foods that contain a lot of starch but little sugar may acquire a slightly sweet taste while they are being chewed. This phenomenon stems from the α-amylase in the saliva producing the sugars from the starch.

Figure 1: The active site of amylase binds starch and cuts it in two.