lactase

American  

[lak-teys, -teyz] / ˈlæk teɪs, -ˌteɪz /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing lactose into glucose and galactose.

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lactase British  

/ ˈlækteɪs, -teɪz /

noun

1. any of a group of enzymes that hydrolyse lactose to glucose and galactose

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lactase Scientific  

/ lăk′tās′ /

1. An enzyme that is found in the small intestine, liver, and kidneys of mammals and catalyzes the breakdown of lactose into galactose and glucose.

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Etymology

Origin of lactase

First recorded in 1890–95; lact- + -ase

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lactase

Tubbs explains that Belle Creamers are made with only five ingredients: milk, cream, liquid sugar, natural flavors and lactase enzyme.

From Seattle Times ● May 2, 2024

According to Boston Children’s Hospital, lactase is an enzyme that is normally produced in the small intestine, where it breaks down lactose into a form that can be absorbed by the blood.

From Salon ● Dec. 20, 2023

As an example, the researchers investigated the lactase gene, which encodes a protein that helps digest lactose and is highly varied across Europe.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 7, 2023

In a new report, scientists argue that the lactase mutation only became important to survival when Europeans began enduring epidemics and famines.

From New York Times ● Jul. 28, 2022

During the process of digestion, lactose is hydrolized by the lactase in the intestinal juice, yielding one molecule of glucose and one of galactose.

From Dietetics for Nurses by Proudfit, Fairfax T.