The enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates is salivary ______________.

Prepare for the TCC Nutrition 101 Test. Study effectively through multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ensure you're ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

The enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates is salivary ______________.

Explanation:
The main idea is enzyme specificity and location. In the mouth, saliva contains amylase (often called salivary amylase), which starts breaking down starches, a carbohydrate, into maltose and dextrins. That makes it the enzyme that acts on carbohydrates in saliva. Protease targets proteins, lipase targets fats, and lactase acts on lactose but is produced in the small intestine, not in saliva. So amylase is the correct choice.

The main idea is enzyme specificity and location. In the mouth, saliva contains amylase (often called salivary amylase), which starts breaking down starches, a carbohydrate, into maltose and dextrins. That makes it the enzyme that acts on carbohydrates in saliva. Protease targets proteins, lipase targets fats, and lactase acts on lactose but is produced in the small intestine, not in saliva. So amylase is the correct choice.

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