lactase

[ lak-teys, -teyz ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

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

lactase

/ ˈlækteɪs; -teɪz /

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

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

Using the new reference panel, they analyzed how a genomic variant of the lactase gene is related to traits such as height, body mass index and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as "bad cholesterol."

From Science Daily

Work on lactase persistence — the continued ability to produce the enzyme lactase as an adult — illustrates this.

From Salon

But lactose is not fermentable, so it doesn’t get consumed by the yeast, which does not have the lactase enzyme and therefore is just as lactose-intolerant as any of your cheese-avoidant friends.

From Seattle Times