lactaseproducing
Lactase-producing describes organisms, enzymes, or biotechnological systems that synthesize lactase, the enzyme that hydrolyzes lactose into glucose and galactose. In humans, lactase is produced by enterocytes in the small intestine as lactase-phlorizin hydrolase, with activity regulated by genetic and developmental factors. In the gut microbiome, several microorganisms express lactase as part of their carbohydrate metabolism, contributing to lactose digestion in individuals who consume dairy.
Industrial production of lactase is dominated by microbial sources. The yeasts Kluyveromyces lactis and some strains
Applications include production of lactose-free or reduced-lactose dairy products by hydrolyzing lactose in milk and whey;
Genetic variation in humans influences lactase persistence into adulthood; individuals with lactase non-persistence typically experience reduced