Question

In the human digestive system maltase converts.
a. Maltose to glucose at pH greater than 7
b. Maltose to glucose at pH less than 7
c. Maltose to alcohol
d. Starch to maltose at higher pH than 7

Answer 1

Hint: During the digestion process the conversion of lipids, starch, protein takes place with the help of different enzymes like maltase,amylase, etc. This conversion takes place at different steps of digestion in the mouth, stomach, intestine etc. It also involves the action of different juices that are secreted that helps in the metabolism and convert the complex form into simple units and help in the absorption.

Complete answer:
- Maltase is the enzyme found in plants, bacteria, yeast, etc that catalyses the reaction of conversion of maltose into simple glucose.
- In the case of human and other vertebrates, it is synthesized by the cells of the mucous membrane that is present in the wall of the intestine.
- Maltase is present in the small intestine hence the pH is slightly alkaline i.e. above 7.
- Maltose to glucose at pH less than 7 for the action of maltase, it requires pH more than 7 i.e. basic condition. Intestinal juice helps in raising the pH.
- Maltose to alcohol- It is a step involved in the fermentation where maltose is converted to alcohol i.e. ethanol by the action of the yeast cells.
- Starch to maltose at pH higher than 7- Starch is partially converted into maltose in the presence of salivary amylase. It takes place when the food is mixed with saliva.
- In the human digestive system maltase converts maltose to glucose at pH greater than 7.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Maltose is a disaccharide which is derived from starch. The action of maltase will break these disaccharides into monosaccharide units i.e. glucose. For the action of maltase, sucrase etc it needs an alkaline pH which will be provided by the intestinal juice.