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

The lactase gene determines whether adults can digest milk and affects milk digesting microbes.

From Science Daily

For example, lactose intolerance is a metabolic condition that happens when the body doesn't produce enough lactase.

From Salon

First, they analyzed genetic data from over 542,000 women and focused on variants — tiny changes in DNA — associated with lactase persistence, the ability to digest lactose in adulthood.

From Salon

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

From Seattle Times

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