Which enzyme specifically targets starches during digestion?

The enzyme that specifically targets starches during digestion is amylase. Amylase is a type of carbohydrate-degrading enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. It is produced in both salivary glands and the pancreas. In the mouth, salivary amylase begins the process of starch digestion, breaking down starch into smaller polysaccharides and maltose. In the intestine, pancreatic amylase continues this process to further break down starch into simple sugars that can be absorbed by the body.

Understanding the role of amylase is crucial in the context of digestion, as it facilitates the initial steps of carbohydrate metabolism, ensuring that energy from starches can be effectively utilized by the body. Other enzymes like protease, which digests proteins, lipase, which targets fats, and cellulase, which breaks down cellulose, do not play a direct role in starch digestion, making amylase the specific enzyme needed for this process.