Alpha-Amylase

**Semantic type:** Amino Acid, Peptide, or Protein|Enzyme

**Definition:** A family of hydrolases that cleaves alpha-linkages in polysaccharides, such as starch and glycogen, and yield glucose and maltose. This family includes the amylase forms that are produced by mammals. In humans, alpha-amylase is produced by salivary glands and the pancreas.

**Synonyms:** - 1,4-Alpha-D-Glucan Glucanohydrolase - 4-Alpha-D-Glucan Glucanohydrolase - Alpha Amylase - EC 3.2.1.1 - Endoamylase - Glycogenase