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Multiple Choice
Which enzyme is primarily responsible for breaking down starch into simpler sugars during digestion?
A
Lactase
B
Protease
C
Lipase
D
Amylase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of starch in digestion: Starch is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units. During digestion, it needs to be broken down into simpler sugars (e.g., maltose and glucose) for absorption.
Identify the enzyme responsible for breaking down starch: Enzymes are biological catalysts that target specific substrates. The enzyme that targets starch is amylase.
Clarify the function of amylase: Amylase hydrolyzes the glycosidic bonds in starch, converting it into maltose and other smaller sugar molecules. This process begins in the mouth with salivary amylase and continues in the small intestine with pancreatic amylase.
Differentiate amylase from other enzymes: Lactase breaks down lactose (milk sugar), protease breaks down proteins, and lipase breaks down lipids (fats). None of these enzymes target starch, confirming amylase as the correct enzyme.
Conclude that amylase is the enzyme primarily responsible for breaking down starch into simpler sugars during digestion, as it specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch molecules.