On Thu, 16 Nov 2000, Richard Geller wrote:

> Re cellulose, recent evidence suggests that we utilize quite a bit of it
> through secondary fermentation in the small intestine and even the bowel,
> perhaps as much as 15 or 20% if I recall correctly...

Yes, even ruminants do not actually make the cellulase enzyme,
but rely on enteric bacteria to do the job.

> Good question re amylase...one answer perhaps is to encourage us to eat
> tubers loaded with starch...could the enzyme make starchy things sweeter to
> the taste and therefore more palatable?

I would be interested in knowing whether other primates make this
salivary enzyme.  I believe they do, but I don't have much
information on the matter.

Todd Moody
[log in to unmask]