Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates?

Amylase is the enzyme specifically responsible for breaking down carbohydrates. This enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into sugars, thus playing a crucial role in carbohydrate digestion. Amylase is produced in the salivary glands and the pancreas, with saliva containing salivary amylase initiating the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth as soon as food enters. As food passes through the digestive system, pancreatic amylase continues the breakdown of carbohydrates in the small intestine, aiding in their absorption into the bloodstream.

In contrast, pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins, functioning primarily in the acidic environment of the stomach. Lipase is an enzyme that specializes in breaking down fats rather than carbohydrates. Galactose is not an enzyme but a simple sugar; it is one of the two monosaccharides that constitute lactose. Therefore, amylase is the key enzyme associated with the breakdown of carbohydrates, highlighting its importance in digestive processes.