Final answer:
Isomaltase, also known as α-dextrinase, digests the α-1,6 bonds in amylopectin. Pancreatic amylase cannot break these bonds, so isomaltase is specially adapted for this task in the digestive process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The α-1,6 bonds in amylopectin are digested by the enzyme known as isomaltase or α-dextrinase. Amylopectin, being a branched-chain polysaccharide, is composed of glucose units linked by α-1,4-glycosidic bonds and also by α-1,6-glycosidic bonds, which create the branches. The enzyme pancreatic amylase can break down the α-1,4-glycosidic bonds in starches like amylopectin but is unable to act on the α-1,6-glycosidic linkages at the branching points. Therefore, isomaltase/α-dextrinase specifically targets these α-1,6 bonds in the digestion process.