Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
The enzyme lactase speeds up the breakdown of lactose into which two smaller monosaccharides?
A
Glucose and galactose
B
Fructose and maltose
C
Galactose and sucrose
D
Glucose and fructose
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of lactase: Lactase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis (breakdown) of lactose, a disaccharide, into its component monosaccharides.
Recall the structure of lactose: Lactose is composed of two monosaccharides, glucose and galactose, linked by a glycosidic bond.
Identify the products of lactase activity: When lactase acts on lactose, it breaks the glycosidic bond, resulting in the release of glucose and galactose.
Eliminate incorrect options: Fructose, maltose, and sucrose are not components of lactose, so options containing these are incorrect.
Confirm the correct answer: The two monosaccharides produced by lactase breaking down lactose are glucose and galactose.