Which enzyme breaks down carbohydrates?

Which enzyme breaks down carbohydrates?

• A. Amylase
• B. Lipase
• C. Trypsin
• D. Protease

Answer: (A)

Carbohydrate digestion is carried out by amylases, enzymes that hydrolyze starches and other carbohydrates into smaller sugar units like maltose and glucose. Amylase is produced in the salivary glands and by the pancreas, so digestion of carbohydrates begins in the mouth and continues in the small intestine. Lipase targets fats, breaking them into fatty acids and glycerol, while trypsin and proteases break down proteins into peptides and amino acids. So, the enzyme that specifically breaks down carbohydrates is amylase.

Carbohydrate digestion is carried out by amylases, enzymes that hydrolyze starches and other carbohydrates into smaller sugar units like maltose and glucose. Amylase is produced in the salivary glands and by the pancreas, so digestion of carbohydrates begins in the mouth and continues in the small intestine. Lipase targets fats, breaking them into fatty acids and glycerol, while trypsin and proteases break down proteins into peptides and amino acids. So, the enzyme that specifically breaks down carbohydrates is amylase.