Where in the intestine sucrase is to be most active?
Sucrase, an enzyme that breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose, is most active in the brush border of the small intestine. However, it is present throughout the small intestine. The small intestine is the primary site for the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. The brush border is a specialized region of the small intestine that contains numerous microvilli, which are small finger-like projections that increase the surface area for absorption. The sucrase enzyme is located on the surface of the microvilli and is responsible for breaking down sucrose into its component sugars. The glucose and fructose are then absorbed into the bloodstream. The highest level of activity is in the upper jejunum, but sucrase is also active in the ileum and colon.
Digestive Health - Related Articles