The mechanism of action of lactase

The mechanism of action of lactase is mainly to decompose lactose through hydrolysis reaction.

Lactose is a disaccharide formed by a molecule of glucose and a molecule of galactose connected by a glycosidic bond. Lactase can specifically recognize and bind to lactose molecules, and then catalyze the cleavage of glycosidic bonds to decompose lactose into two monosaccharides, glucose and galactose.

Specifically, after lactase binds to lactose molecules, the amino acid residues in its active site interact with specific sites of the lactose molecule, changing the electron distribution of the chemical bonds in the lactose molecule and making it easier to break. Ultimately, a lactose molecule is broken down into a glucose molecule and a galactose molecule, and these monosaccharides can be more easily absorbed and utilized by the human body.

This hydrolysis allows lactose, which was originally difficult to be directly absorbed by the human body, to be effectively digested and absorbed, thereby providing energy and nutrition to the body.