Lactase Enzyme

Essay # 45396

Biology > Biotechnology
Chemistry > Biochemistry

Lactase Enzyme

A short essay outlining the biochemical nature of the lactase enzyme.

983 words () | 8 sources | MLA | 2003 Australia

Paper Summary:

This essay talks about the biochemical nature of the enzyme lactase. The paper includes a discussion of it's production, the reaction it catalyzes and the physiological effects of this enzyme. In particular the essay includes an explanation of the physiological effects experienced with a deficiency of lactase.

From the Paper:

"Lactose is a disaccharide that is the principal carbohydrate found in milk and other dairy products. To digest lactose the enzyme lactase is required to catalyse the hydrolysis reaction to produce the monosaccharides glucose and galactose. This enzyme is usually present at birth but often decreases in activity as the child matures. The condition where an individual has a deficiency of lactase is known as lactose intolerance and produces symptoms such as nausea, cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea"