lactase

Plural: lactases

Noun

• An enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.
• any of a group of enzymes (trade name Lactaid) that hydrolyze lactose to glucose and galactose
• A β-galactosidase enzyme that is involved in the hydrolysis of the disaccharide lactose into constituent galactose and glucose monomers.

Examples

• Playing LACTASE, she proved her biochemical prowess on the Scrabble board.

Synonyms

Lactaid, lactase-phlorizin hydrolase