Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

19. Enzymes

Enzyme Classification

GOB Chemistry

19. Enzymes

Enzyme Classification

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3:31 minutes

Problem 56a

Textbook Question

Adults who are lactose intolerant cannot break down the disaccharide in milk products. To help digest dairy food, a product known as Lactaid can be given prior to consuming dairy products. (16.4, 16.5)
a. What is the name of enzyme present in Lactaid, and what is the major class of this enzyme?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the context of the problem. Lactose intolerance occurs because the body lacks the enzyme needed to break down lactose, a disaccharide found in milk products. Lactaid is a product designed to help with this issue.

Step 2: Identify the enzyme present in Lactaid. The enzyme is called lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose into its monosaccharide components: glucose and galactose.

Step 3: Determine the major class of the enzyme lactase. Enzymes are categorized based on the type of reaction they catalyze. Lactase belongs to the class of hydrolases, which catalyze the hydrolysis of chemical bonds.

Step 4: Relate the function of lactase to its classification. Lactase specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of the glycosidic bond in lactose, splitting it into glucose and galactose, which can be absorbed by the body.

Step 5: Summarize the answer. The enzyme present in Lactaid is lactase, and it belongs to the major class of hydrolases, which are enzymes that catalyze hydrolysis reactions.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Lactase

Lactase is the enzyme present in Lactaid that breaks down lactose, the disaccharide found in milk. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of lactose into its constituent monosaccharides, glucose and galactose, which can be easily absorbed by the body. Individuals who are lactose intolerant have insufficient levels of lactase, leading to digestive discomfort when consuming dairy products.

Enzyme Classification

Enzymes are classified into several major classes based on the type of reaction they catalyze. Lactase belongs to the class of enzymes known as hydrolases, which facilitate the breakdown of compounds by adding water. This classification is essential for understanding how enzymes function in biochemical processes and their role in digestion.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a common condition where individuals lack sufficient lactase enzyme to digest lactose effectively. This leads to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products. Understanding lactose intolerance is crucial for recognizing the importance of lactase supplements like Lactaid in aiding digestion for affected individuals.

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Multiple Choice