What is the Difference Between Lactose and Lactase?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Lactose and lactase are related to the digestion of lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products. Here are the main differences between the two:
- Lactose: Lactose is a disaccharide sugar found in milk and milk products, consisting of two monosaccharides, glucose and galactose, linked together. It is broken down into simpler compounds by the enzyme lactase, which is found in the lining of the small intestine.
- Lactase: Lactase is a digestive enzyme produced by the small intestine that helps break down lactose into glucose and galactose, allowing the body to absorb it. Lactase is a protein.
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body cannot fully digest lactose due to insufficient production of lactase enzymes. This condition can cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Some people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small amounts of lactose with minimal symptoms and may be able to consume cheese, yogurt, and lactose-free milk products.
Comparative Table: Lactose vs Lactase
Here is a table comparing the differences between lactose and lactase:
| Feature | Lactose | Lactase |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Lactose is a disaccharide sugar found in milk and dairy products, consisting of glucose and galactose molecules. | Lactase is an enzyme produced by the cells lining the small intestine, responsible for breaking down lactose into glucose and galactose. |
| Function | Lactose is a source of energy and is present in milk and dairy products. | Lactase facilitates the digestion of lactose by breaking it down into glucose and galactose, which can then be absorbed and used throughout the body. |
| Structure | Lactose has a similar chemical composition to sucrose (table sugar), with the sugar molecules joined together by an acetal oxygen bridge. | Lactase is a protein enzyme that is specific to lactose and cannot act on other sugars. |
| Absorption | Lactose cannot be directly absorbed into the bloodstream; it must first be broken down by lactase. | Lactase helps split lactose into glucose and galactose molecules, which can then be absorbed and used for energy. |
| Lactose Intolerance | Lactose intolerance occurs when there is an insufficient amount of lactase to digest the lactose consumed, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. | Lactase is not directly involved in lactose intolerance but plays a crucial role in lactose digestion. |
In summary, lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products, while lactase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose into glucose and galactose for absorption and energy production.
- Sucrose vs Lactose
- Lactide vs Lactone
- Lactose vs Dairy Free
- Casein vs Lactose
- Galactosemia vs Lactose Intolerance
- Lipase vs Amylase
- Lactate vs Lactate Dehydrogenase
- Lactose Intolerance vs Milk Allergy
- Glucose vs Galactose
- Lactate vs Lactic Acid
- Lactam vs Lactim
- Amylase vs Amylose
- Alpha-Amylase vs Alpha-Glucosidase
- Lactose Fermenting vs Non-lactose Fermenting Bacteria
- IBS vs Lactose Intolerance
- Celiac Disease vs Lactose Intolerance
- LDH vs Lactic Acid
- Penicillinase vs Beta Lactamase
- Lactobacillus vs Bifidobacterium