Definition

A substance produced in the body that helps break down lactose, a sugar found in milk, into simpler sugars.

Example

People who are lactose intolerant often lack enough lactase to digest dairy products.

Conversation

I recently learned that some people can't digest dairy because they don't produce enough lactase.

That's interesting! I always thought it was just about being lactose intolerant.

Yeah, without lactase, their bodies can't break down lactose properly.

Exactly! It's amazing how our bodies work differently.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lactase → It is formed from "lact" (from Latin "lac", meaning milk) and "-ase" (a suffix used in biochemistry to denote enzymes). The word "lactase" refers to an enzyme that breaks down lactose, the sugar found in milk.

Memory Tip

Think of 'milk' ('lact') and remember that 'lactase' is the enzyme that helps break down the sugar in milk.

Visually Confused Words