Amylases are enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates, such as starch and glycogen, into smaller molecules. They are part of a larger group of enzymes known as hydrolases, which catalyze the hydrolysis of chemical bonds by the addition of water. There are several types of amylases, including α-amylase, β-amylase, and γ-amylase, each with their own specificities and functions. α-Amylase is the most common type and is found in various organisms, including humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. It acts on the α-1,4 glycosidic bonds found in starch, breaking them down into shorter chains called dextrins. β-Amylase, on the other hand, acts on the α-1,4 glycosidic bonds at the non-reducing end of starch and breaks them down into maltose units.
Look at the five amulets below, one for each of the five Petrie classes, and, from them, consider other methodological problems with the classification.
Equally the flexibility of ancient Egyptian religious iconography complicates any attempt to draw a line between an amulet of protection invoking some external agency which is not as definite as a divinity and a theophoric amulet where the divinity is supposedly explicit; Petrie himself had to allow for amulets being either Sekhmet or Bastet as his amulet group no. In ancient Egypt, amulets were often made of materials such as gold, silver, and precious stones, and were believed to protect the wearer from evil spirits and bring good luck.
β-Amylase, on the other hand, acts on the α-1,4 glycosidic bonds at the non-reducing end of starch and breaks them down into maltose units. γ-Amylase, also known as glucoamylase, acts on the α-1,4 glycosidic bonds at the reducing end of starch, releasing glucose molecules. Amylases play a crucial role in metabolism and digestion.
Amulets and Talismans: About
An amulet, also called a Talisman, is an object, either natural or man-made, believed to be endowed with special powers to protect or bring good fortune. Amulets are carried on the person or kept in the place that is the desired sphere of influence—e.g., on a roof or in a field. The terms amulet and talisman are often used interchangeably, but a talisman is sometimes defined as an engraved amulet.
Natural amulets are of many kinds: precious stones, metals, teeth and claws of animals, bones, plants, and so on. Man-made amulets, equally varied, include religious medallions and small figurines. Among believers amulets are thought to derive power from their connection with natural forces, from religious associations, or from being made in a ritual manner at a favourable time.
Neanderthals and other prehistoric peoples used natural amulets in burials, and so-called Venus figurines dating to about 25,000 BC may be among the earliest of man-made amulets. The MacGregor papyrus of ancient Egypt lists 75 amulets. One of the commonest was the scarab beetle, worn by the living and dead alike. The scarab (q.v.) symbolized life—perhaps because it pushed a ball of dung that was identified with the sun and was believed to contain the beetle’s eggs, or perhaps because its hieroglyph was the same as that for the verb “to become”—and was thought to restore the dead person’s heart in the next world. In Egypt the magic formulas originally recited over amulets to give them their power were eventually inscribed and worn themselves. Continue reading from Encyclopedia Britannica
Similar to an amulet, a talisman is also believed to hold supernatural powers. However, unlike amulets, talismans are specifically created for a particular purpose or intention. They are often charged with specific energies or rituals to enhance their effectiveness. Talismans can be made from various materials, including metals, gemstones, or even natural objects like feathers or herbs.
In the human body, α-amylase is produced in salivary glands and pancreas and is secreted into the mouth and small intestine, respectively. In the mouth, α-amylase starts the process of starch digestion by breaking it down into shorter chains called oligosaccharides. In the small intestine, pancreatic α-amylase continues the breakdown of starch into maltose and other smaller sugars, which can be further digested and absorbed by the body. Beside their role in digestion, amylases have various applications in industry. They are widely used in the production of bread, beer, and fermented foods, where they help convert starch into fermentable sugars. They are also used in laundry detergents as stain removers, where they break down starch-based stains on clothes. Additionally, amylases have potential applications in biotechnology, such as in the production of biofuels and the modification of starch for various industrial purposes. In summary, amylases are enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates into smaller molecules. They are involved in digestion and metabolism and have numerous industrial applications. The different types of amylases have distinct specificities and functions, but they all play a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism..
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