Question

The enzyme maltase does the following:

A. Breaks down lactose to glucose
B. Turns glucose into maltose
C. Breaks down maltose to glucose
D. Turns glucose into lactose

Answer 1

Maltase is the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the hydrolysis of maltose into two glucose molecules during the process of carbohydrate digestion in the small intestine.

Step-by-step explanation:

The enzyme maltase performs the specific function of breaking down the disaccharide maltose into its constituent monosaccharides, which are glucose unit molecules. This enzymatic process occurs within the small intestine, specifically the duodenum, where digestive enzymes secreted by the intestinal mucosa act on food components. Pancreatic juices which contain amylase also play a role in this process by initially breaking down starch and glycogen into maltose, which is then further digested by maltase.

While other enzymes such as sucrase and lactase break down other disaccharides like sucrose into glucose and fructose, and lactose into glucose and galactose respectively, maltase is the enzyme responsible solely for the hydrolysis of maltose into glucose molecules. Hence, in accordance with the steps of carbohydrate digestion, maltase facilitates the conversion of maltose into glucose units that the body can absorb and utilize for energy.