Question

Enzyme involved in conversion of sucrose into glucose and fructose is…….

• A. Maltase
• B. Zymase
• C. Invertase
• D. Diastase

Hint:

In the industry, "Invertase" is the preferred name when making liquid centers in chocolates, as it keeps the center from crystallizing.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of the disaccharide sucrose into its constituent monosaccharides.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Sucrose Hydrolysis: Sucrose is a non-reducing disaccharide composed of one glucose unit and one fructose unit.

• Invertase: This enzyme (also known as sucrase or $\beta$-fructofuranosidase) catalyzes the cleavage of the glycosidic bond in sucrose.

• Invert Sugar: The resulting mixture of glucose and fructose is called "invert sugar" because the optical rotation of the solution changes from positive (dextrorotatory) to negative (levorotatory) during the reaction.

• Applications: Invertase is used in the confectionery industry to produce soft-centered candies and chocolates, and in the production of honey substitutes.
• Other Enzymes:
• Maltase: Hydrolyzes maltose into two glucose units.
• Zymase: A complex of enzymes (found in yeast) that ferments sugar into ethanol and $CO_2$.
• Diastase: A group of enzymes (like amylase) that breaks down starch into maltose.

Step 3: Final Answer: Invertase is the enzyme that converts sucrose into glucose and fructose.