Which enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates in the small intestine?

Amylase is the enzyme specifically responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates in the small intestine. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch and glycogen into simpler sugars, such as maltose and glucose, which can then be absorbed by the intestinal lining into the bloodstream. This process is crucial for proper digestion, as carbohydrates are a primary source of energy for the body.

In the digestive system, amylase is produced in the salivary glands and the pancreas, and its action continues in the small intestine where it works on the carbohydrates that have moved from the stomach.

Other enzymes listed serve different functions: protease breaks down proteins into amino acids, lipase is involved in the digestion of fats, and peptidase further processes peptides into amino acids. Each of these enzymes plays a distinct role in digestion, emphasizing the specialization of enzymes in processing various types of macronutrients.