bétagalaktózidázat

Bétagalaktózidázis, also known as lactase, is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of lactose into its constituent monosaccharides, glucose and galactose. This reaction is essential for the digestion of lactose, a disaccharide found in milk and dairy products. The enzyme is primarily produced in the small intestine of mammals.

The gene encoding bétagalaktózidázis is located on chromosome 3 in humans. The enzyme is a glycoprotein composed of a single polypeptide chain. It functions by breaking the glycosidic bond between glucose and galactose in the lactose molecule. This breakdown allows for the subsequent absorption of glucose and galactose into the bloodstream for energy.

A deficiency in bétagalaktózidázis activity leads to lactose intolerance, a condition characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consuming lactose-containing foods. This deficiency can be primary, genetic, or secondary, caused by damage to the intestinal lining.

Bétagalaktózidázis has significant industrial applications. It is used in the dairy industry to produce lactose-free milk and other dairy products, making them digestible for individuals with lactose intolerance. It is also employed in analytical chemistry and molecular biology as a reporter enzyme in various assays.