Biochem of Lactose Intolerance

Front

What is lactose intolerance?

Back

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase.

Front

What role does the pancreas play in digestion?

Back

The pancreas produces and secretes enzymes (lipases, nucleases, proteases, amylases) and bicarbonate buffer to help digest polymers into monomers in the small intestine.

Front

What is the function of lactase?

Back

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, allowing for its absorption in the small intestine.

Front

What happens to glucose levels in lactose intolerant individuals after consuming lactose?

Back

In lactose intolerant individuals, glucose levels remain the same after lactose ingestion due to the lack of lactase.

Front

What is the small intestine's role in digestion?

Back

The small intestine is where most digestion and absorption of nutrients occurs, aided by enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver.

Front

Define 'monomer' in the context of biochemistry.

Back

A monomer is a small molecule that can join together with other similar molecules to form a larger polymer.

Front

What is an R group in a polypeptide?

Back

An R group is a side chain attached to the backbone of an amino acid that determines its unique properties and functions.

Front

Explain the concept of 'structure begets function' in biology.

Back

The concept of 'structure begets function' means that the shape or structure of a biological entity determines how it operates or functions.

Front

What is the significance of glucose in the body?

Back

Glucose is a primary energy source for cells and is crucial for cellular respiration.

Front

What is the role of bile in digestion?

Back

Bile emulsifies fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets to facilitate digestion by lipases.