Lactose (a sugar): Difference between revisions
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Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other foods. It is formed by a condensation reaction (also called dehydration synthesis) of the building blocks glucose and galactose. A large part of the human adult population is lactose intolerant. Because they are unable to efficiently digest lactose into its building blocks, lactose builds up and causes symptoms such as stomach pain. Lactose-intolerant individuals either have to limit lactose intake or take supplements to help digest it. | '''Lactose''' is a sugar found in milk and other foods. It is formed by a condensation reaction (also called dehydration synthesis) of the building blocks glucose and galactose. A large part of the human adult population is lactose intolerant. Because they are unable to efficiently digest lactose into its building blocks, lactose builds up and causes symptoms such as stomach pain. Lactose-intolerant individuals either have to limit lactose intake or take supplements to help digest it. | ||
This page assumes basic textbook knowledge of carbohydrate chemistry. For a refresher, see the relevant section in the first chapters of any college biology textbook, e.g. [https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/General_Biology_2e_(OpenStax)/01%3A_Unit_I-_The_Chemistry_of_Life/1.03%3A_Biological_Macromolecules/1.3.03%3A_Carbohydrates this one]. | This page assumes basic textbook knowledge of carbohydrate chemistry. For a refresher, see the relevant section in the first chapters of any college biology textbook, e.g. [https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/General_Biology_2e_(OpenStax)/01%3A_Unit_I-_The_Chemistry_of_Life/1.03%3A_Biological_Macromolecules/1.3.03%3A_Carbohydrates this one]. | ||