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Lactase (EC 3.2.1.108) is an enzyme produced by many organisms and is essential to the complete digestion of whole milk. It breaks down the sugar lactose into its component parts, galactose and glucose. Lactase is found in the brush border of the small intestine of humans and other mammals.
Many adult humans lack the lactase enzyme, which has the same function as β-galactosidase, so they are not able to properly digest dairy products. β-Galactose is used in such dairy products as yogurt, sour cream, and some cheeses which are treated with the enzyme to break down any lactose before human consumption. In recent years, β ...
Lactase enzymes similar to those produced in the small intestines of humans are produced industrially by fungi of the genus Aspergillus. The enzyme, β-galactosidase, is available in tablet form in a variety of doses, in many countries without a prescription. It functions well only in high-acid environments, such as that found in the human gut ...
Lactose intolerance is the most common problem of carbohydrate digestion and occurs when the human body doesn't produce a sufficient amount of lactase enzyme to break down the sugar lactose found in dairy. As a result of this deficiency, undigested lactose is not absorbed and is instead passed on to the colon.
The gene responsible for production of the lactase enzyme is expressed exclusively in the enterocytes lining the small intestine, which are cells that help absorb nutrients from stuff that we eat. Once produced, the enzyme makes it’s way to the cell’s surface along the cell’s microvilli, these little tentacles that help increase surface ...
Lactase persistence is a textbook example of natural selection in humans: it has been reported to present stronger selection pressure than any other known human gene. [24] However, the specific reasons as to why lactase persistence confers a selective advantage "remain open to speculation".
Function: lactase is located in the small digestives system of people and other creatures such as mammals. Lactase is the bases of the total absorption of milk. Clinical Significance: People who are lactose intolerant have medicine that can help with the digestion. When you are lactose intolerant you might experience gas, bloating, and pain ...
A galactosemia test is a blood test (from the heel of the infant) or urine test that checks for three enzymes that are needed to change galactose sugar that is found in milk and milk products into glucose, a sugar that the human body uses for energy. A person with galactosemia does not have one of these enzymes.