Which enzyme helps break down sucrose?

Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose. The enzyme responsible for breaking down sucrose into its constituent monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) is sucrase. This enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose, allowing the body to absorb these simpler sugars. Understanding the role of enzymes in digestion is crucial for comprehending how our bodies break down carbohydrates for energy.

Amylase, lactase, and maltase serve different functions: amylase breaks down starches into simpler sugars, lactase is involved in the digestion of lactose (milk sugar), and maltase breaks down maltose into glucose. Each enzyme has a specific substrate they act on, highlighting the importance of sucrase in the digestion of sucrose.