An amylase deficiency is likely to result in a decrease in which metabolic process?

Amylase is an enzyme that plays a critical role in the digestion of carbohydrates, specifically starches, by breaking them down into simpler sugars like maltose and dextrin. When there is a deficiency of amylase, the digestive process for carbohydrates is impaired. This means that starches cannot be effectively converted into glucose, which is the primary fuel used in glycolysis.

Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing energy in the form of ATP in the process. A decrease in glucose availability due to an amylase deficiency directly decreases the substrate for glycolysis. Without sufficient glucose, the entire glycolytic pathway is slowed down, which impacts energy production in the body.

The other metabolic processes listed are not directly impacted by amylase function. Gluconeogenesis involves the formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources and typically operates when glucose is low, yet it does not rely on amylase activity. Lipolysis refers to the breakdown of fats for energy, which is an unrelated process. Proteolysis involves the breakdown of proteins and is also independent of amylase's action on carbohydrates. Thus, the primary impact of an amylase deficiency results in decreased glycolysis due to a