What enzyme is responsible for converting sucrose into fructose during carbohydrate digestion?

The enzyme responsible for converting sucrose into fructose during carbohydrate digestion is sucrase. Sucrase specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose, breaking it down into its constituent monosaccharides, glucose and fructose. This reaction occurs in the small intestine and is essential for the proper digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.

Amylase, while crucial in breaking down starches into simpler sugars, does not act on sucrose. Maltase is an enzyme that specifically targets maltose, converting it into two glucose molecules. Lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose into glucose and galactose. Each of these enzymes has a specific substrate they act upon, reinforcing the importance of sucrase in the digestion of sucrose specifically.