Which enzyme works specifically to digest carbohydrates?

The enzyme that specifically works to digest carbohydrates is amylase. This enzyme is crucial in the breakdown of starches and glycogen into simpler sugars, such as glucose. Amylase catalyzes the hydrolysis of alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds in polysaccharides, which is essential for the digestion of carbohydrates in various organisms, including humans.

Amylase is primarily produced in the salivary glands and the pancreas, allowing it to function in both the mouth, where it begins the digestion of carbohydrates during chewing, and in the small intestine after food passes through the stomach. This dual location highlights its role in efficiently processing carbohydrates from a dietary perspective.

Other enzymes mentioned serve different functions: trypsin is involved in protein digestion, lipase focuses on breaking down fats, and pepsin also aids in digesting proteins. Each of these enzymes operates on specific substrates, which is why amylase is categorized distinctly for its action on carbohydrates.