The function of the enzyme amylase is to catalyze the breakdown of carbohydrates, specifically starches into simpler sugars like maltose and glucose. Amylase is produced primarily in the salivary glands and the pancreas. In digestion, it initiates the process of carbohydrate metabolism by hydrolyzing starch molecules, making it easier for the body to absorb glucose as an energy source. Amylase plays a crucial role in both human and animal diets, particularly in the digestion of starchy foods.