Apply: Amylose is a polysaccharide that consists of a long single chain of glucose molecules. Consider an amylose molecule with only four glucose molecules. How many water molecules are released when the 4-glucose amylose forms?

What do you think is the chemical formula for this amylose?

How many water molecules would be needed to break this amylose down into four glucose molecules?

Extend your thinking: Hydrolysis of the carbohydrates you eat begins in your mouth as you chew. How do you think this process might be affected if a person’s salivary glands were unable to produce saliva, which is mostly composed of water?