Which enzyme is responsible for the conversion of maltose into glucose?

The enzyme responsible for the conversion of maltose into glucose is intestinal maltase. Maltose is a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, and it must be broken down into its monosaccharide units for absorption in the intestine. Intestinal maltase, produced by the brush border of the small intestine, hydrolyzes maltose into two glucose molecules. This enzymatic action is crucial for efficient carbohydrate digestion and subsequent glucose absorption into the bloodstream.

In the digestive process, maltose is typically formed from starch breakdown by enzymes like amylase, which include both salivary amylase in the mouth and pancreatic amylase in the small intestine. However, while these enzymes play important roles in the initial stages of carbohydrate digestion, they do not break down maltose itself. Only intestinal maltase has the specific activity to convert maltose directly to glucose, which is essential for energy metabolism and maintaining blood sugar levels.