Why does amylase break down amylose much more effectively than amylopectin?

Question

Why does amylase break down amylose much more effectively than amylopectin?

Answer 1

If I remember correctly, amylose is pure glucose, linked by alpha-1,4 glycosidic bonds. Amylopectin, which resembles glycogen, has alpha-1,4 linkages, as well as alpha-1,6 linkages. Amylase enzyme activity is specific for alpha-1,4 linkages, thus excluding some of the bonds that hold amylopectin (as well as glycogen) together.