Definition

A type of enzyme produced by the pancreas that helps break down starches into sugars during digestion.

Example

Amylopsin plays a crucial role in the digestion of carbohydrates in the human body.

Conversation

I was reading about how our body digests food, and I came across something called amylopsin.

Oh, I think I’ve heard of that! Isn’t it an enzyme that helps break down starches?

Exactly! It’s produced by the pancreas and plays a key role in digestion.

That’s really interesting! I love learning about how our bodies work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Amylopsin is formed from "amylum" (from Greek "amylon", meaning starch) and "-opsin" (from Greek "opsis", meaning vision or appearance). The word refers to an enzyme that helps in the digestion of starch, thus relating to its function in breaking down starch into simpler sugars.

Memory Tip

Think of 'starch' ('amylum') being broken down by an enzyme that helps in digestion, which is what amylopsin does.

Visually Confused Words