Diastase
Diastase (from the
Greek word for separate) is a group of
enzymes which
catalyses the breakdown of
starch into
glucose. It was the first enzyme discovered, in 1833 by
Anselme Payen, who found it in
malt solution. Today, diastase means any α-, β-, or γ-
amylase (hydrolases) that can break down
carbohydrates.