Question

In the small intestine, which of the following enzymes breaks down maltose?

1) amylase
2) dextrinase
3) maltase
4) lactase
5) sucrase

Answer 1

Maltase is the enzyme in the small intestine that specifically breaks down maltose into two glucose molecules, which are then ready for absorption.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the small intestine, the enzyme that breaks down maltose is maltase. Amylase is responsible for breaking down starch and glycogen into maltose, but once maltose is formed, maltase takes over to hydrolyze this disaccharide into two glucose molecules, which can then be absorbed by the body. Other enzymes, such as sucrase and lactase, break down different sugars: sucrase hydrolyzes sucrose into glucose and fructose, while lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose. These enzymes are critical for proper carbohydrate digestion and are present in the brush border of the small intestinal wall.