What enzyme is responsible for breaking down starch in the human body?

Amylase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down starch in the human body. This carbohydrate-digesting enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into simpler sugars, primarily maltose and dextrins. Amylase is produced in the salivary glands and the pancreas, which allows starch digestion to begin in the mouth and continue in the small intestine.

Salivary amylase initiates the process during chewing, while pancreatic amylase carries on the digestion once the food reaches the small intestine. The breakdown of starch is crucial as it converts complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars, which can then be readily absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized for energy. This process is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

In contrast, lactose is broken down by lactase, protease targets proteins, and cellulase breaks down cellulose, which humans do not digest effectively. Therefore, each enzyme has a specific substrate it acts upon, further highlighting the unique role of amylase in starch digestion.