Which digestive enzyme is responsible for breaking down starches in the mouth?

Amylase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down starches in the mouth. It is produced by the salivary glands and begins the process of carbohydrate digestion as soon as food enters the mouth. Salivary amylase acts on starches, which are polysaccharides, breaking them down into simpler sugars like maltose. This process is essential because it initiates the digestion of carbohydrates before they reach the stomach, ensuring that nutrients can be efficiently absorbed later in the digestive system.

Other enzymes listed, such as pepsin and trypsin, are involved in protein digestion but function in different parts of the digestive tract. Pepsin operates in the stomach and starts breaking down proteins into peptides, while trypsin acts in the small intestine. Lipase plays a role in the digestion of fats, functioning primarily in the small intestine, where it breaks down triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol. Understanding the specific functions and locations of these enzymes is essential for comprehending human digestion.