What is the function of carbohydrases in the digestive system?

• A. Enzymes that digest nucleotides
• B. Enzymes that digest carbohydrates
• C. Enzymes that synthesize proteins
• D. Enzymes that break down lipids

Answer: (B)

Carbohydrases are enzymes specifically designed to catalyze the breakdown of carbohydrates into simpler sugars, such as glucose and fructose. This process is crucial for digestion, as carbohydrates are a primary source of energy for the body.

In the digestive system, carbohydrases act on polysaccharides, such as starch and glycogen, breaking them down into oligosaccharides and monosaccharides through hydrolysis. This enzymatic action occurs primarily in the mouth, where salivary amylase starts the digestion of starch, and in the small intestine, where pancreatic amylase further breaks down carbohydrates. The resulting monosaccharides are then readily absorbed into the bloodstream for energy use or storage.

The other options describe different types of enzymes. For instance, enzymes that digest nucleotides would be classified as nucleases, those that synthesize proteins are known as ribozymes or peptidases, and enzymes that break down lipids are classified as lipases. Each type of enzyme has a distinct role in digestion, highlighting the specificity of enzymatic action in biochemical processes.