Lactases

Definition

Lactases are enzymes produced in the small intestine that break down lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, into glucose and galactose. This process is essential for the proper digestion of dairy products in many mammals, including humans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lactase production typically begins to decline after weaning in many mammals, leading to lactose intolerance.
2. Deficiency in lactase leads to symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and gas upon consuming dairy products.
3. Lactase is most active at the brush border of the small intestine where it hydrolyzes lactose into absorbable monosaccharides.
4. Lactase persistence is a genetic trait that allows continued high levels of lactase production into adulthood.
5. There are commercially available lactase supplements that can help individuals with lactose intolerance digest dairy products.

Review Questions

• What role does lactase play in the digestive system?
• What are common symptoms of lactase deficiency?
• How does lactase persistence differ from typical lactase production patterns?

Related terms

lactose: A disaccharide sugar composed of glucose and galactose found in milk.

brush border enzymes: Enzymes located on the microvilli of the small intestine that aid in final stages of digestion.

lactose intolerance: The inability to digest significant amounts of lactose due to low levels of lactase enzyme.