noun
- Plural of lactase; enzymes that break down lactose (milk sugar) into glucose and galactose in the digestive system.
Usage: technical/scientific; typically used in medical, nutritional, or biochemical contexts
Examples
- People who are lactose intolerant have low levels of lactases in their small intestine.
- Lactases are essential enzymes for digesting dairy products.
- The production of lactases decreases in many humans after childhood.
- Some probiotic supplements contain lactases to help with milk digestion.
- Lactases break down the disaccharide lactose into monosaccharides.