What is the primary function of amylase in the human body?

The primary function of amylase in the human body is to break down complex carbohydrates. Amylase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. It plays a crucial role in the digestive process, beginning in the mouth with salivary amylase, which helps to initiate the digestion of carbohydrates as food is chewed. Pancreatic amylase continues this process in the small intestine, facilitating the breakdown of polysaccharides into simpler sugars like maltose and glucose, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream.

By understanding the role of amylase, one can appreciate how it contributes to the overall process of digestion and energy production in the body. The incorrect options pertain to functions that are not related to the enzymatic breakdown of carbohydrates. Water reabsorption is primarily handled by the kidneys, hormone regulation involves various glands and their secretions, and oxygen transport is fulfilled by hemoglobin in red blood cells. Each of these systems operates independently of the enzymatic actions carried out by amylase.