Which enzyme breaks down starch into simpler carbohydrates during digestion?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the substrate involved in the digestion process described. Here, the substrate is starch, a polysaccharide composed of glucose units.
2. Recall the function of each enzyme listed: Lactase breaks down lactose (a disaccharide), Lipase breaks down lipids (fats), Pepsin breaks down proteins, and Amylase breaks down starch.
3. Understand that starch digestion involves breaking the long chains of glucose units into simpler carbohydrates like maltose and glucose.
4. Recognize that Amylase catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into smaller sugar units, making it the enzyme responsible for starch breakdown during digestion.
5. Conclude that among the options, Amylase is the enzyme that breaks down starch into simpler carbohydrates.