Why Is Maltose Important?

Maltose is an important intermediate in the digestion of starch. Starch is used by plants as a way to store glucose. After cellulose, starch is the most abundant polysaccharide in plant cells. Animals (and plants) digest starch, converting it to glucose to serve as a source of energy.

Why is maltose so important?

So, maltose is a disaccharide that is made up of two glucose units. It has a slightly sweet taste, but it's most important function is in digestion. Since most carbohydrates are in a form that cannot be absorbed, it is important for these carbohydrates to be broken into smaller pieces.

What is the function of maltose enzyme?

Maltase, enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the disaccharide maltose to the simple sugar glucose. The enzyme is found in plants, bacteria, and yeast; in humans and other vertebrates it is thought to be synthesized by cells of the mucous membrane lining the intestinal wall.