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what is the name of the enzyme that digests carbohydrates?

The main enzyme that digests carbohydrates is amylase.

Quick Scoop

  • Amylase starts working in the mouth , where salivary glands release it to begin breaking down starch into simpler sugars.
  • The pancreas then releases pancreatic amylase into the small intestine to continue digesting these carbohydrates into smaller sugar units.
  • Other enzymes like maltase, sucrase, and lactase in the small intestine further break specific sugars (maltose, sucrose, lactose) into simple sugars such as glucose, fructose, and galactose.

So, if you need one name for “the enzyme that digests carbohydrates,” the best single answer is amylase.

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