Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which enzyme is primarily responsible for the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates during digestion?
A
Amylase
B
Lipase
C
Trypsin
D
Pepsin
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the role of each enzyme listed in the options. Amylase, Lipase, Trypsin, and Pepsin are all digestive enzymes, but they target different types of macromolecules.
Step 2: Recall that carbohydrates are broken down into simpler sugars during digestion. Identify which enzyme specializes in catalyzing the hydrolysis of carbohydrates.
Step 3: Amylase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates. It hydrolyzes starch and glycogen into maltose and dextrins. This process begins in the mouth with salivary amylase and continues in the small intestine with pancreatic amylase.
Step 4: Lipase is responsible for breaking down lipids (fats), Trypsin is involved in protein digestion, and Pepsin also targets proteins in the stomach. These enzymes do not play a role in carbohydrate digestion.
Step 5: Based on the information above, the enzyme primarily responsible for the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates during digestion is Amylase.