What is the function of the enzyme lactase?
Normal Function The LCT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called lactase. This enzyme helps to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Lactase is produced by cells that line the walls of the small intestine.
Where does the enzyme lactase work?
lactase, also called lactase-phlorizin hydrolase, enzyme found in the small intestine of mammals that catalyzes the breakdown of lactose (milk sugar) into the simple sugars glucose and galactose.
Why is lactase important to the human body?
Lactase is an enzyme present in the gut that is responsible for breaking down complex lactose sugars into simpler sugars such as glucose and galactose which can then be utilized for energy and bodily functions.
What is the main function of lactase quizlet?
– lactase is an enzyme that breaks lactose, the main sugar in milk, into glucose and galactose.
Why is lactase important in food processing?
Lactase Enzymes Lactase aids in the digestion of lactose present in dairy products and converts it to the simple sugars, glucose and galactose.
How does Lactaid work biology?
Lactaid is a product designed to help people who cannot digest milk sugar (Lactose) because they are missing the enzyme Lactase. Normally, in our digestive system, Lactase is the enzyme that breaks down lactose into two monosaccharides: glucose and galactose so that our body can use the glucose as energy.
How are enzymes used to treat lactose intolerance?
Lactase is an enzyme. It breaks down lactose, a sugar in milk and milk products. Some people’s bodies do not make enough lactase, so they are not able to digest milk well, which can lead to diarrhea, cramps, and gas. This is referred to as “lactose intolerance.” Taking supplemental lactase can help break down lactose.
What produces lactase in the body?
The small intestine
The small intestine produces lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose. The small intestine is an organ that breaks down the food you eat. Enzymes are proteins that help to cause chemical changes in the body.
What would happen without lactase?
If there’s not enough lactase, the unabsorbed lactose moves through your digestive system to your colon (large intestine). Bacteria in the colon break down the lactose, producing fatty acids and gases like carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane.
What enzyme digests lactose quizlet?
Lactase is the enzyme that interacts with the molecule lactose. That interaction breaks the bond holding together the two monosaccharides, galactose and glucose, that make up a lactose molecule.
What is the effect of pH on lactase?
If pH affects enzyme function, then when the pH is increased or decreased from pH 8 (the pH of the small intestines) the rate of lactose digestion by lactase will decrease.
What enzymes are related to lactase?
Lactase belongs to the beta-galactosidase family of glycoside hydrolase enzymes. This family contains enzymes that hydrolyze, or break apart, molecules containing galactose, a sugar with six carbon atoms that is less sweet than glucose.