Amylase activity in the alimentary tract and salivary glands of Periplaneta americana L.

The optimum conditions for amylase activity and the distribution of the enzyme in the salivary glands and various gut regions were investigated. Maximum activity of the enzyme was observed at 7.0 pH and 50 degrees C temperature and the activity increased with increasing time period, and enzyme and substrate concentrations. Amylase from the salivary glands was found to be exceptionally potent and the enzyme concentration decreased from the anterior to the posterior part of the gut in well-fed cockroaches. The findings are discussed with regard to the source of amylase synthesis.