Lactose: Difference between revisions
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Lactose is a disaccharide made up of the [[Monosaccharides|monosaccharides]] [[Glucose|glucose]] and [[Galactose|galactose]]. The two monosaccarides join via a condensation reaction forming a [[Glycosidic bond|β1-4 glycosidic bond]]. Commonly associated with the [[Lac operon|Lac Operon]] which is a model complex for understanding selective gene [[Transcription|transcription]] control in ''[[ | Lactose is a disaccharide present in milk. It is made up of the [[Monosaccharides|monosaccharides]] [[Glucose|glucose]] and [[Galactose|galactose]]. The two monosaccarides join via a condensation reaction forming a [[Glycosidic bond|β1-4 glycosidic bond]]. Commonly associated with the [[Lac operon|Lac Operon]] which is a model complex for understanding selective gene [[Transcription|transcription]] control in ''[[Escherichia coli|E. coli]]''. | ||
In humans the disaccharide is is hydrolysed in humans by the enzyme lactase and by β-galactosidase in bacteria. | |||
Many adults are unable to drink milk as they are unable to hydrolyse the disaccharide into the two monosaccharides. This condition is called lactose intolerance, or hypolactasia. A deficiency of the enzyme lactase is usually the cause of hypolactasia. | |||
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Revision as of 10:11, 2 December 2011
Lactose is a disaccharide present in milk. It is made up of the monosaccharides glucose and galactose. The two monosaccarides join via a condensation reaction forming a β1-4 glycosidic bond. Commonly associated with the Lac Operon which is a model complex for understanding selective gene transcription control in E. coli.
In humans the disaccharide is is hydrolysed in humans by the enzyme lactase and by β-galactosidase in bacteria.
Many adults are unable to drink milk as they are unable to hydrolyse the disaccharide into the two monosaccharides. This condition is called lactose intolerance, or hypolactasia. A deficiency of the enzyme lactase is usually the cause of hypolactasia.