key term - Lactase

Definition

Lactase is an enzyme that helps break down lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. It breaks lactose down into its two component sugars, glucose and galactose.

Related terms

Lactose:

Lactose is the substrate that lactase acts upon. It is a sugar found in milk and dairy products.

Glucose:

Glucose is one of the two sugars produced when lactase breaks down lactose. It is a simple sugar that serves as an important source of energy for cells.

Galactose: Galactose is the other sugar produced when lactase breaks down lactose. It can be converted into glucose by further metabolic processes.