lactase

Everyday

(science) Lactase is an enzyme, a natural chemical in the body, that breaks down lactose, the sugar in milk, so it can be digested. tree →

In the lessons

Science and health lessons: people without enough lactase are lactose intolerant and may get tummy aches from milk. Lactase drops or pills can help. It tells the reader about digestion.

Examples

• Lactase breaks down the sugar in milk. tree →
• People who make little lactase may get tummy aches from milk. tree →
• Babies make lots of lactase to digest their milk. tree →
• You can buy milk with lactase already added. tree →
• Many adults around the world make less lactase as they grow up. tree →
• Lactase is an enzyme in the small intestine. tree →

Note

Trap: lactase (the enzyme, «-ase») vs lactose (the milk sugar, «-ose»). Enzyme names often end «-ase».