lactase
/ˈlæk.teɪs/ · lac·tase
noun
- A β‑galactosidase enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the disaccharide lactose into its constituent monosaccharides, galactose and glucose. People with lactose intolerance lack sufficient lactase to fully digest dairy products.
Did you know? In certain human populations, a genetic mutation allows lactase production to continue into adulthood, a trait known as lactase persistence, which enabled the cultural practice of dairy farming.