Amylase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the digestion of carbohydrates. It converts starch into maltose, which is a disaccharide. Maltose is then further hydrolyzed to yield glucose, a simple sugar that can be easily absorbed by the body.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Amylase breaks down starch into smaller units called maltose.
- Maltose is then hydrolyzed by the enzyme maltase into two glucose molecules.
- Glucose is absorbed by the intestines and used by the body for energy.
This process is essential for the proper digestion and utilization of carbohydrates in the diet.