Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best explains the role of enzyme 1 in the catalysis of a biochemical reaction?
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6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics
Enzymes
Multiple Choice
Which class of enzyme is responsible for catalyzing the hydrolysis of starch into maltose?
A
Lipase
B
Lactase
C
Amylase
D
Protease
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the question: The problem is asking for the class of enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into maltose. Hydrolysis refers to the breakdown of a compound using water.
Recall the biochemical process: Starch is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units. Hydrolysis of starch involves breaking the glycosidic bonds between glucose units to produce smaller sugar molecules, such as maltose (a disaccharide).
Identify the enzyme class: Enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of carbohydrates (like starch) are classified as amylases. Specifically, amylase is responsible for hydrolyzing starch into maltose.
Eliminate incorrect options: Lipase catalyzes the breakdown of lipids, lactase breaks down lactose (a sugar), and protease catalyzes the breakdown of proteins. None of these are involved in starch hydrolysis.
Conclude: The correct enzyme class for hydrolyzing starch into maltose is amylase, as it specifically targets polysaccharides like starch and breaks them down into smaller sugar units.
