In the context of chemical reactions, the breakdown of starch by digestive enzymes is best classified as which type of reaction?

• A. Synthesis (anabolic) reaction
• B. Decomposition (hydrolysis) reaction
• C. Oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction
• D. Acid-base neutralization reaction

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the types of chemical reactions involved in biological processes. Synthesis (anabolic) reactions build larger molecules from smaller ones, while decomposition reactions break down larger molecules into smaller components.
2. Step 2: Recognize that starch is a large polysaccharide made up of glucose units linked together, and digestive enzymes break it down into simpler sugars.
3. Step 3: Identify that the breakdown of starch involves splitting the bonds between glucose units, which is characteristic of a decomposition reaction.
4. Step 4: Note that this breakdown specifically involves the addition of water molecules to cleave the bonds, a process known as hydrolysis.
5. Step 5: Conclude that since the reaction breaks down starch into smaller molecules using water, it is classified as a decomposition (hydrolysis) reaction rather than synthesis, redox, or acid-base neutralization.