Which enzyme catalyzes the conversion of starch to glucose and maltose?

Which enzyme catalyzes the conversion of starch to glucose and maltose?

• A. Malate dehydrogenase
• B. Amylase
• C. Creatine kinase
• D. Isocitric dehydrogenase

Answer: (B)

Starch is a long polymer of glucose, and its breakdown in digestion is carried out by amylase. Amylase targets the glycosidic bonds in starch, breaking it down into smaller sugars such as maltose and maltotriose, with further action by other enzymes eventually yielding glucose. This makes amylase the enzyme responsible for initiating starch digestion. The other enzymes listed are involved in distinct pathways: malate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase participate in the citric acid cycle, and creatine kinase helps regenerate ATP in muscle energy systems.

Starch is a long polymer of glucose, and its breakdown in digestion is carried out by amylase. Amylase targets the glycosidic bonds in starch, breaking it down into smaller sugars such as maltose and maltotriose, with further action by other enzymes eventually yielding glucose. This makes amylase the enzyme responsible for initiating starch digestion. The other enzymes listed are involved in distinct pathways: malate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase participate in the citric acid cycle, and creatine kinase helps regenerate ATP in muscle energy systems.