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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the primary substrate for the enzyme amylase?
A
Lactose
B
Cellulose
C
Sucrose
D
Starch
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the enzyme amylase: Amylase is a hydrolase enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of polysaccharides into simpler sugars. Specifically, it acts on α-1,4 glycosidic bonds in polysaccharides.
Review the chemical structure of the given options: Lactose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose, cellulose is a polysaccharide with β-1,4 glycosidic bonds, sucrose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, and starch is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units linked by α-1,4 glycosidic bonds.
Identify the substrate specificity of amylase: Amylase specifically targets polysaccharides with α-1,4 glycosidic bonds, which are present in starch but not in lactose, cellulose, or sucrose.
Eliminate incorrect options: Lactose and sucrose are disaccharides, which are not the primary substrates for amylase. Cellulose has β-1,4 glycosidic bonds, which amylase cannot hydrolyze.
Conclude that starch is the correct answer: Starch is the primary substrate for amylase because it contains α-1,4 glycosidic bonds that the enzyme can hydrolyze into maltose and glucose.