title: Discovering an accessible enzyme: Salivary α-amylase : Prima digestio fit in ore: A didactic approach for high school students.
abstract: Human salivary α-amylase is used in this experimental approach to introduce biology high school students to the concept of enzyme activity in a dynamic way. Through a series of five easy, rapid, and inexpensive laboratory experiments students learn what the activity of an enzyme consists of: first in a qualitative then in a semi-quantitative way. They also learn how some environmental effectors can influence it. The choice of a "human body" enzyme and not an anonymous commercial enzyme is a very attractive one for students. This laboratory approach will be integrated with theoretical knowledge about α-amylase, starch, their physiological meaning, and biotechnological applications.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Fisiologia e Biochimica, Sezione di Biochimica, Università di Pisa, Via S. Zeno, 51, 56127 Pisa, Italy; Liceo Scientifico "Ulisse Dini," via B. Croce, 36, 56125 Pisa, Italy; and Scuola di Specializzazione per l'Insegnamento Secondario (SSIS), Toscana-Sede Università di Pisa, via Possenti, 18, 56121 Pisa, Italy. imarini@dfb.unipi.it.
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Marini