Adults who are lactose intolerant cannot break down the disaccharide in milk products. To help digest dairy food, a product known as Lactaid can be added to milk and the milk then refrigerated for 24 hours.
<IMAGE>
a. What enzyme is present in Lactaid, and what is the major class of this enzyme?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the problem. The question is asking about the enzyme present in Lactaid and its major class. Lactaid is a product used to help lactose-intolerant individuals digest dairy products by breaking down lactose, a disaccharide found in milk.
2. Step 2: Recall the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose. Lactose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose. The enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of lactose into these monosaccharides is called lactase.
3. Step 3: Identify the major class of the enzyme. Enzymes are categorized into six major classes based on the type of reaction they catalyze. Lactase catalyzes the hydrolysis of a glycosidic bond in lactose, which places it in the class of hydrolases. Hydrolases are enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of bonds using water.
4. Step 4: Summarize the findings. The enzyme present in Lactaid is lactase, and its major class is hydrolases.
5. Step 5: Relate this to the context of lactose intolerance. Lactose-intolerant individuals lack sufficient lactase enzyme in their digestive system, so adding Lactaid (which contains lactase) helps break down lactose in milk products, making them easier to digest.

Key Concepts

Lactase

Lactase is the enzyme present in Lactaid, which is responsible for breaking down lactose, the disaccharide found in milk. In individuals who are lactose intolerant, the body does not produce enough lactase, leading to digestive issues when consuming dairy products. By adding lactase to milk, lactose is hydrolyzed into glucose and galactose, making it easier to digest.

Enzyme Classification

Enzymes are classified into several major categories based on their function, with lactase belonging to the class of hydrolases. Hydrolases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of chemical bonds, which involves the addition of water to break down larger molecules into smaller ones. This classification is essential for understanding how enzymes like lactase facilitate digestion.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a common condition where individuals lack sufficient lactase to digest lactose effectively. This leads to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products. Understanding lactose intolerance is crucial for recognizing the importance of lactase supplements like Lactaid in aiding those affected by this condition.