Which class of enzyme is responsible for catalyzing the hydrolysis of starch into maltose?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question: The problem is asking for the class of enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into maltose. Hydrolysis refers to the breakdown of a compound using water.
2. Recall the biochemical process: Starch is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units. Hydrolysis of starch involves breaking the glycosidic bonds between glucose units to produce smaller sugar molecules, such as maltose (a disaccharide).
3. Identify the enzyme class: Enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of carbohydrates (like starch) are classified as amylases. Specifically, amylase is responsible for hydrolyzing starch into maltose.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: Lipase catalyzes the breakdown of lipids, lactase breaks down lactose (a sugar), and protease catalyzes the breakdown of proteins. None of these are involved in starch hydrolysis.
5. Conclude: The correct enzyme class for hydrolyzing starch into maltose is amylase, as it specifically targets polysaccharides like starch and breaks them down into smaller sugar units.