The amylase gene family, particularly AMY1, exhibits extensive copy number variation (CNV) that modulates salivary amylase production and, consequently, the efficiency of dietary starch digestion.

New research offers insight into the evolutionary history of amylase genes, which are key to our ability to eat and digest starchy food. A study found that human ancestors started carrying multiple ...

Researchers uncover the surprisingly complex evolutionary history of the salivary protein amylase. Historically, the similarity between AMY1 copies has made this stretch of the genome difficult to map ...

Two new studies found that ancient human ancestors carried a surprising diversity of genes for amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch. By Carl Zimmer As soon as you put starch in your mouth — ...