Wacklepedia Home Page | | Index

Diastase

From Wacklepedia - The Free Encyclopedia


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.