Multiple Choice
In most biological systems, an enzyme is primarily which type of macromolecule?
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6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics
Enzymes
Multiple Choice
In human digestion, what is the primary function of the enzyme amylase?
A
It hydrolyzes starch (polysaccharides) into smaller sugars such as maltose and oligosaccharides.
B
It hydrolyzes proteins into amino acids.
C
It catalyzes the synthesis of glycogen from glucose.
D
It hydrolyzes triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the role of enzymes in digestion. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up the breakdown of macromolecules into smaller, absorbable units.
Step 2: Identify the substrate acted upon by amylase. Amylase specifically targets carbohydrates, particularly starch, which is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units.
Step 3: Recognize the reaction catalyzed by amylase. Amylase hydrolyzes the glycosidic bonds in starch, breaking it down into smaller sugar molecules such as maltose (a disaccharide) and oligosaccharides.
Step 4: Differentiate amylase from other digestive enzymes. For example, proteases hydrolyze proteins, lipases hydrolyze triglycerides, and glycogen synthase catalyzes glycogen synthesis, which are distinct from amylase's function.
Step 5: Conclude that the primary function of amylase in human digestion is to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into smaller sugars, facilitating carbohydrate digestion and absorption.
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