Page last updated: 2024-10-24

alpha-amylase activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the endohydrolysis of (1->4)-alpha-D-glucosidic linkages in polysaccharides containing three or more alpha-(1->4)-linked D-glucose units. [PMID:12527308]

Alpha-amylase activity refers to the enzymatic hydrolysis of alpha-1,4-glycosidic linkages in starch, glycogen, and related polysaccharides. This hydrolysis breaks down these complex carbohydrates into smaller units, primarily maltose and dextrins. Alpha-amylase acts randomly along the starch chain, producing a mixture of products with varying degrees of polymerization. The enzyme is highly specific for alpha-1,4 linkages, meaning it does not cleave alpha-1,6 linkages found in branched polysaccharides like amylopectin. This specificity is crucial for the efficient digestion of dietary starches and the release of glucose as a source of energy. Alpha-amylase plays a central role in carbohydrate digestion in various organisms, including humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Its activity is influenced by factors such as pH, temperature, and the presence of inhibitors.'
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Proteins (3)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Pancreatic alpha-amylaseAn alpha-amylase 2A that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P04746]Homo sapiens (human)
Alpha-amylase 1A A protein that is a translation product of the AMY1A gene in human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P0DUB6]Homo sapiens (human)
Pancreatic alpha-amylaseAn alpha-amylase 2A that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P04746]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (12)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
acarbosetetrasaccharide derivativeEC 3.2.1.1 (alpha-amylase) inhibitor;
EC 3.2.1.20 (alpha-glucosidase) inhibitor;
geroprotector;
hypoglycemic agent
epigallocatechin gallate(-)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate : A gallate ester obtained by the formal condensation of gallic acid with the (3R)-hydroxy group of (-)-epigallocatechin.

epigallocatechin gallate: a steroid 5alpha-reductase inhibitor and antimutagen in green tea (Camellia sinensis)
flavans;
gallate ester;
polyphenol
antineoplastic agent;
antioxidant;
apoptosis inducer;
geroprotector;
Hsp90 inhibitor;
neuroprotective agent;
plant metabolite
1,2,3,4,6-pentakis-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose1,2,3,4,6-pentakis-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose : A galloyl-beta-D-glucose compound having five galloyl groups in the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-positions.

pentagalloylglucose: pentahydroxy gallic acid ester of glucose; a phytogenic antineoplastic agent and antibacterial agent
gallate ester;
galloyl beta-D-glucose
anti-inflammatory agent;
antineoplastic agent;
geroprotector;
hepatoprotective agent;
plant metabolite;
radiation protective agent;
radical scavenger
acarboseamino cyclitol;
glycoside
4-(4-(4-chloro-phenyl)thiazol-2-ylamino)phenolsubstituted aniline
cholecystokinin (27-33), tert-butyloxycarbonyl-nle(28,31)-cholecystokinin (27-33), tert-butyloxycarbonyl-Nle(28,31)-: cholecystokinin agonist
quercetin7-hydroxyflavonol;
pentahydroxyflavone
antibacterial agent;
antineoplastic agent;
antioxidant;
Aurora kinase inhibitor;
chelator;
EC 1.10.99.2 [ribosyldihydronicotinamide dehydrogenase (quinone)] inhibitor;
geroprotector;
phytoestrogen;
plant metabolite;
protein kinase inhibitor;
radical scavenger
luteolin3'-hydroxyflavonoid;
tetrahydroxyflavone
angiogenesis inhibitor;
anti-inflammatory agent;
antineoplastic agent;
apoptosis inducer;
c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor;
EC 2.3.1.85 (fatty acid synthase) inhibitor;
immunomodulator;
nephroprotective agent;
plant metabolite;
radical scavenger;
vascular endothelial growth factor receptor antagonist
fisetin3'-hydroxyflavonoid;
7-hydroxyflavonol;
tetrahydroxyflavone
anti-inflammatory agent;
antioxidant;
EC 5.99.1.3 [DNA topoisomerase (ATP-hydrolysing)] inhibitor;
geroprotector;
metabolite;
plant metabolite
myricetin7-hydroxyflavonol;
hexahydroxyflavone
antineoplastic agent;
antioxidant;
cyclooxygenase 1 inhibitor;
food component;
geroprotector;
hypoglycemic agent;
plant metabolite
quercetagetinquercetagetin : A hexahydroxyflavone that is flavone substituted by hydroxy groups at positions 3, 5, 6, 7, 3' and 4' respectively.

quercetagetin: structure given in first source; inhibits aldose reductase in rat lens
flavonols;
hexahydroxyflavone
antioxidant;
antiviral agent;
plant metabolite
scutellareinscutellarein : Flavone substituted with hydroxy groups at C-4', -5, -6 and -7.

scutellarein: aglycone of scutellarin from Scutellaria baicalensis; carthamidin is 2S isomer of scutellarein; do not confuse with isoscutellarein and/or isocarthamidin which are respective regioisomers, or with the scutelarin protein
tetrahydroxyflavonemetabolite