α-dextrinase

Definition

α-dextrinase is an enzyme that breaks down alpha-dextrins, which are short chains of glucose molecules, into individual glucose units during the digestive process. It plays a crucial role in carbohydrate digestion by acting on the products of starch digestion that have been previously broken down by other enzymes.

Related terms

Carbohydrates: Organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that are an important source of energy for the body.

Enzymes: Biological molecules that significantly speed up the rate of virtually all of the chemical reactions within cells.

Glucose: A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and is a component of many carbohydrates