Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down maltose?

Maltase is the enzyme specifically responsible for breaking down maltose. Maltose is a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules linked together, and maltase catalyzes the hydrolysis of this bond. The action of maltase leads to the formation of two separate glucose units, which can then be utilized by the body for energy or other metabolic functions.

While other enzymes such as amylase are involved in carbohydrate digestion, their role is broader and includes the breakdown of various polysaccharides into simpler sugars. Amylase doesn't specifically target maltose but rather larger carbohydrate structures. Sucrase specifically breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose, while lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose into glucose and galactose. Thus, maltase is uniquely suited to act on maltose, making it the correct choice for this question.