Which enzyme converts lactose into glucose and galactose during digestive processes?

Lactase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, which is the sugar found in milk, into its two simpler sugar components: glucose and galactose. This enzymatic process occurs primarily in the small intestine and is crucial for proper digestion and absorption of lactose. When lactase is present, it hydrolyzes lactose, allowing these monosaccharides to be absorbed into the bloodstream, providing a source of energy.

In contrast, the other enzymes listed serve different functions. Trehalase breaks down trehalose, a disaccharide found in certain fungi and in foods. Maltase is involved in the digestion of maltose, a sugar produced from the breakdown of starch, converting it into glucose. Amylase, on the other hand, is an enzyme that begins the digestion of carbohydrates by breaking down starch into simpler sugars, but it does not act on lactose. Thus, the unique role of lactase in lactose digestion clearly identifies it as the correct answer.