Lactose

Definition

Lactose is a disaccharide sugar found naturally in the milk of mammals. It is composed of two monosaccharides, glucose and galactose, and is an essential nutrient for the growth and development of infants and young animals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lactose is the primary carbohydrate found in mammalian milk, providing a readily available source of energy for nursing infants and young animals.
2. The ability to digest lactose effectively decreases with age in many individuals, leading to the development of lactose intolerance.
3. Lactose is an important source of energy for the growth and development of infants, as it comprises approximately 7-8% of human breast milk.
4. Lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, is produced in the small intestine and its activity can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
5. Individuals with lactose intolerance may experience symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consuming dairy products due to the incomplete digestion of lactose.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of lactose in the context of organic compounds essential to human functioning.
  • Lactose is a disaccharide sugar that is an essential organic compound for human functioning, particularly in the early stages of life. As the primary carbohydrate found in mammalian milk, lactose provides a readily available source of energy for the growth and development of infants and young animals. Lactose is broken down by the enzyme lactase, which is produced in the small intestine. The ability to effectively digest lactose can decrease with age, leading to the development of lactose intolerance in some individuals, which can result in gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming dairy products.
• Describe the significance of lactose in the context of lactation.
  • Lactose is a crucial component of mammalian milk, including human breast milk, during the lactation process. It comprises approximately 7-8% of human breast milk and serves as an important source of energy for the growth and development of nursing infants. The production of lactose in the mammary glands is regulated by various hormones, and the ability to digest lactose effectively is essential for the proper absorption of this vital nutrient. Disruptions in lactose metabolism or lactase production can lead to lactose intolerance, which can impact the nutritional status and well-being of nursing infants.
• Analyze the interplay between lactose, lactase, and lactose intolerance, and how this relates to both organic compounds essential to human functioning and the lactation process.
  • Lactose, the disaccharide sugar found in mammalian milk, is an essential organic compound for human functioning, particularly during the early stages of life. The ability to effectively digest lactose is dependent on the production of the enzyme lactase in the small intestine. However, the activity of lactase can decrease with age, leading to the development of lactose intolerance in many individuals. This condition results in the incomplete digestion of lactose, causing gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products. The interplay between lactose, lactase, and lactose intolerance is crucial in the context of both organic compounds essential to human functioning and the lactation process. Lactose is a vital nutrient in mammalian milk, including human breast milk, providing a readily available source of energy for the growth and development of nursing infants. Disruptions in lactose metabolism or lactase production can impact the nutritional status and well-being of both the infant and the lactating individual, highlighting the importance of understanding the complex relationship between these key factors.

Related terms

Lactase: The enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose into its component sugars, glucose and galactose, allowing for their absorption in the small intestine.

Lactose Intolerance: A condition where an individual lacks sufficient lactase enzyme, leading to the incomplete digestion of lactose and resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms.

Galactose: One of the two monosaccharides that make up the disaccharide lactose, which can be further metabolized by the body for energy.