Sucrase

Definition

Sucrase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose, facilitating the digestion of this disaccharide in the small intestine. It plays a critical role in carbohydrate digestion, allowing for the absorption of simple sugars into the bloodstream.

Related terms

Enzymes:

Proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body without being consumed themselves.

Disaccharides:

A class of sugars made up of two monosaccharide molecules bonded together, such as sucrose.

Small intestine: The part of the digestive system where most nutrient absorption takes place, including that facilitated by enzymes like sucrase