Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into glucose?

Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into glucose?

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

Answer: (C)

Digestion of carbohydrates relies on an enzyme that targets sugar polymers. Amylase specializes in breaking down carbohydrates by hydrolyzing starch and similar polysaccharides into smaller sugars, which are then further processed into glucose in the later steps of digestion. Its action lays the foundation for carbohydrate digestion, whereas the other enzymes target different biomolecules: protease acts on proteins, nuclease on nucleic acids, and lipase on fats. Because amylase is the enzyme responsible for initiating the breakdown of carbohydrates into smaller sugar units that ultimately become glucose, it is the best answer.

Digestion of carbohydrates relies on an enzyme that targets sugar polymers. Amylase specializes in breaking down carbohydrates by hydrolyzing starch and similar polysaccharides into smaller sugars, which are then further processed into glucose in the later steps of digestion. Its action lays the foundation for carbohydrate digestion, whereas the other enzymes target different biomolecules: protease acts on proteins, nuclease on nucleic acids, and lipase on fats. Because amylase is the enzyme responsible for initiating the breakdown of carbohydrates into smaller sugar units that ultimately become glucose, it is the best answer.