Lactase Flashcards
What does lactase do?
Is an enzyme that breaks down the sugar name “lactose”
What type of sugar is lactose?
A disaccharide (meaning it is made up of 2 sugar molecules attached to each other)
When lactase breaks down lactose, what does it turn into?
galactose and glucose (2 separate sugar molecules)
what is lactose persistence?
when an individual DOES have a mutation in the area before the lactase gene –> this mutation keeps the lactase producing gene ACTIVE –> the body produces lactase –> the person can tolerate lactose products like milk and cheese because their body is able to create enough lactase to digest lactose
what is lactose intolerance?
when an individual is not able to produce the lactase gene because the gene is silenced and is not as active