Question

Starch is converted into maltose by an enzyme:
A) Maltase
B) Zymase
C) Diastase
D) Invertage

Answer 1

Hint: We know that starch and maltose are carbohydrates. They are also known as biomolecules. Starch is a polysaccharide which is made up of glucose. In starch, the glucose monomers are linked by a glycosidic bond. Maltose is a disaccharide which consists of two glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds.

Complete step by step answer:
We know that starch and maltose are carbohydrates. They are also known as biomolecules.
Starch is a polysaccharide which is made up of glucose. In starch, the glucose monomers are linked by a glycosidic bond. Starch is white in colour and an odourless amorphous solid. Starch contains amylose and amylopectin.
Maltose is a disaccharide which consists of two glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds. Maltose is a reducing sugar.
We know that enzymes are proteins that are present in the body. The enzymes catalyse all the reactions that are carried out inside the body.
The process of conversion of starch to maltose occurs during digestion. The pancreas and the salivary glands secrete an enzyme called diastase which converts starch to maltose.
Maltose is produced by the enzymatic hydrolysis of starch. This reaction is catalysed by an enzyme called diastase.
Thus, starch is converted into maltose by an enzyme diastase.

Thus, the correct option is (C).

Note: The enzyme maltase converts maltose to glucose. Maltase is secreted by the intestines. The enzyme zymase converts simple sugar to alcohol and carbon dioxide gas. The enzyme invertase causes hydrolysis of disaccharide sugar i.e. sucrose to glucose and fructose.