Maltase

Maltase is a hydrolytic enzyme which catalyses the breakdown of the disaccharide sugar maltose. The maltose is broken down into two alpha-glucose molecules, the monosaccharide units of maltose, through the hydrolysis of the 1,4-glycosidic bond. It plays a key role in the breakdown of carbohydrates, and is present in many organism across nature; plants, bacteria, yeast and mammals. In humans maltase forms part of the digestive system and is synthesised by the epithelial cells of the mucous membrane in the lining of the intestinal wall.