Which enzyme begins the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth?

Salivary amylase is the enzyme responsible for initiating the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth. It is produced by the salivary glands and is secreted into the oral cavity where it begins to break down complex carbohydrates (such as starch) into simpler sugars, like maltose. This process is crucial as it begins the carbohydrate digestion while food is being chewed and mixed with saliva, allowing the body to efficiently handle carbohydrates as they enter the digestive system.

Other enzymes listed, such as pepsin, pancreatic lipase, and lactase, function in different contexts. Pepsin is involved in the digestion of proteins and operates in the acidic environment of the stomach, while pancreatic lipase acts in the small intestine to help digest fats. Lactase, on the other hand, is specifically responsible for breaking down lactose, the sugar found in milk, but it is also not involved in the initial digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth. Thus, salivary amylase is the correct choice for this question, as it specifically highlights the role of an enzyme in carbohydrate breakdown during the first stage of digestion.