Absence of Amylase in Stomach

Steps:

• Starch digestion begins in the mouth with salivary amylase breaking down starch into maltose.
• In the stomach, acidic conditions halt salivary amylase activity, but no new amylase is produced.
• Digestion resumes in the duodenum with pancreatic amylase, which is secreted into the small intestine.
• Stomach cells lack amylase production, preventing starch breakdown there.

Why C is correct:

• Amylase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes starch; stomach chief cells produce pepsinogen for protein digestion, not amylase, per digestive enzyme specialization.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Not all starch digests in the mouth; bolus reaches stomach partially undigested.
• B: pH denatures amylase, but the primary reason is lack of enzyme production, not just shape change.
• D: Stomach temperature matches body temperature (37°C), optimal for amylase.

Final answer: C