The enzyme alpha amylase secreted by pancreas digest starch into which of the following major products:
**Core Concept**
Alpha amylase is a pancreatic enzyme that plays a crucial role in the digestion of carbohydrates. It is a type of hydrolase enzyme that cleaves the glycosidic bonds between glucose molecules in starch, resulting in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Alpha amylase acts on the alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds in starch, breaking them down into shorter chains of glucose molecules. The products of alpha amylase digestion include maltose, maltotriose, and dextrins. Maltose is a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, making it a major product of alpha amylase digestion. The enzyme's action on starch results in the formation of maltose, which is then further broken down by other enzymes, such as maltase, to produce glucose.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because alpha amylase does not act on the beta-1,4-glycosidic bonds in cellulose, which is a different type of carbohydrate.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because sucrose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose molecules, and it is not a product of alpha amylase digestion.
* **Option D:** This option is incorrect because lactose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose molecules, and it is not a product of alpha amylase digestion.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Alpha amylase deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that affects the production of this enzyme, leading to impaired carbohydrate digestion and potential malabsorption of glucose.
**Correct Answer: C. Maltose**