Which enzyme is responsible for attacking starch?

Amylase is the enzyme that specifically targets starch, breaking it down into simpler sugars through the process of hydrolysis. Starch is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units, and amylase facilitates its digestion by cleaving the glycosidic bonds between these glucose molecules. This breakdown is crucial for the proper digestion of carbohydrates, allowing the body to utilize glucose for energy.

Pepsin is primarily involved in protein digestion in the stomach and does not act on carbohydrates like starch. Protease, similar to pepsin, is another enzyme that digests proteins rather than carbohydrates. Lactase is specifically responsible for breaking down lactose, the sugar found in milk, and does not play a role in starch digestion.

Understanding the specific functions of various enzymes is essential; therefore, it's clear that amylase is the correct answer when it comes to the enzymatic attack on starch.