Question

consider the equation for the conversion of maltose to glucose. maltose + h₂oxrightarrow{maltase}2 glucose which of the statements correctly describes the role of the enzyme maltase in the conversion of maltose to glucose? maltase binds maltose and cleaves the enzyme into two glucose molecules. maltase binds maltose and cleaves the sugar into two glucose molecules. maltose binds to maltase and loses one water molecule, forming two glucose molecules. maltase binds two molecules of maltose and catalyzes their dehydration to form glucose.

Explanation:

Enzymes are biological catalysts. Maltase is an enzyme that acts on maltose. It binds to maltose and through hydrolysis (involving water), cleaves the maltose sugar into two glucose molecules. The first option wrongly says it cleaves the enzyme. The third option has an incorrect mechanism as it's not about maltose losing water to maltase. The fourth option is incorrect as maltase acts on one maltose molecule and not two for this conversion, and it's a hydrolysis not dehydration reaction.

Answer:

Maltase binds maltose and cleaves the sugar into two glucose molecules.