Lactase Flashcards

1
Q

What does lactase do?

A

Is an enzyme that breaks down the sugar name “lactose”

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2
Q

What type of sugar is lactose?

A

A disaccharide (meaning it is made up of 2 sugar molecules attached to each other)

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3
Q

When lactase breaks down lactose, what does it turn into?

A

galactose and glucose (2 separate sugar molecules)

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4
Q

what is lactose persistence?

A

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

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5
Q

what is lactose intolerance?

A

when an individual is not able to produce the lactase gene because the gene is silenced and is not as active

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