diastase

diastase Definition

dia·stase (dī′ə stās′)

noun

a vegetable amylase enzyme, occurring in the seed of grains and malt, that is capable of changing starches into maltose and later into dextrose

Etymology: Fr < Gr diastasis, a separation < dia, apart + histanai, stand

Related Forms:

diastase Usage Examples

Converse of object

secrete: During germination the barley secretes the enzyme diastase which makes the starch in the barley soluble, thus preparing it for conversion into sugar.
call: The enzyme in plants which breaks down starch is sometimes called Diastase.

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