Which pancreatic enzyme is primarily responsible for the breakdown of dietary carbohydrates in the small intestine?

• A. Pancreatic amylase
• B. Pancreatic lipase
• C. Trypsin
• D. Carboxypeptidase

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the types of macromolecules each enzyme targets: carbohydrates, lipids, or proteins.
2. Recall that pancreatic amylase specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch and other polysaccharides into smaller sugars, which are carbohydrates.
3. Understand that pancreatic lipase breaks down lipids (fats) into fatty acids and glycerol, so it is not responsible for carbohydrate digestion.
4. Recognize that trypsin and carboxypeptidase are proteases, enzymes that break down proteins into peptides and amino acids, not carbohydrates.
5. Conclude that the enzyme primarily responsible for carbohydrate digestion in the small intestine is pancreatic amylase.