JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3bm050
Assertion: Starch is hydrolysed by salivary amylase but cellulose is not. Reason: Starch has alpha-glycosidic links, cellulose has beta-glycosidic links, and the enzyme acts only on alpha links. Choose the correct option.
ABoth assertion and reason are true and the reason explains the assertion.
BBoth are true but the reason does not explain the assertion.
CThe assertion is true and the reason is false.
DThe assertion is false and the reason is true.
Answer: A
Both statements are true. The enzyme is specific for the alpha-1,4 links of starch, and the beta-1,4 links of cellulose do not fit, so the reason explains the assertion.