Definition
disaccharidase
noun
- An enzyme that breaks down disaccharides into monosaccharides during digestion.
Usage: biochemistry; commonly used in medical and nutritional contexts
Examples
- Lactase is a disaccharidase that helps digest milk sugar in the small intestine.
- The body produces several disaccharidases to break down different types of sugar.
- People with lactose intolerance lack sufficient disaccharidase activity for lactose.
- Sucrase, another disaccharidase, breaks down table sugar into glucose and fructose.
- Disaccharidase deficiency can lead to digestive problems and nutrient absorption issues.