Question: 152: Which of the following functions is not performed by secretions from salivary glands?
(1) Lubrication of oral cavity
(2) Digestion of disaccharides
(3) Control bacterial population in mouth
(4) Digestion of complex carbohydrates
Answer: Option (2)
Explanation:
Salivary glands secrete saliva, which contains mucus, enzymes, and antibacterial substances.
Mucus present in saliva helps in lubrication of the oral cavity and facilitates swallowing.
Saliva contains lysozyme, which helps in controlling the bacterial population in the mouth.
Salivary amylase is an enzyme present in saliva that initiates digestion of complex carbohydrates like starch.
However, digestion of disaccharides is carried out by enzymes present in the intestinal juice,
not by salivary secretions.
Therefore, digestion of disaccharides is not performed by salivary gland secretions.