lactase

[ lak-teys, -teyz ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

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

lactase

/ -teɪz; ˈlækteɪs /

noun

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

lactase

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lactase¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lactase¹

C20: from lacto- + -ase

Example Sentences

Dense populations, measured via the distribution of skeletal remains, also explained some of the pressure towards lactase persistence.

From Popular-Science

Only when famine and disease turned lactose into a liability did adults hang onto lactase, the key enzyme that breaks down the sugar.

From Popular-Science

Before that time, increasing levels of lactase persistence tended to align with population busts linked to famines in particular regions, the researchers report.

From Science News

No current proposal explains how lactase persistence spread, he says.

From Science News