Disaccharidase
Disaccharidase
Disaccharidase (pronunciation: /ˌdīˌsakəˈrīdās/) is a type of enzyme that is involved in the breakdown of certain types of sugars known as disaccharides.
Etymology
The term "disaccharidase" is derived from the Greek words "di", meaning "two", and "saccharide", meaning "sugar". The "-ase" suffix is commonly used in biochemistry to denote enzymes.
Function
Disaccharidases are located in the small intestine and are responsible for the hydrolysis of disaccharides into monosaccharides, which can then be absorbed by the body. There are several types of disaccharidases, each of which is specific for a certain type of disaccharide. These include lactase, which breaks down lactose; sucrase, which breaks down sucrose; and maltase, which breaks down maltose.
Related Terms
- Enzyme: A protein that catalyzes a specific biochemical reaction.
- Disaccharide: A sugar composed of two monosaccharides.
- Monosaccharide: The simplest form of sugar that can be absorbed by the body.
- Lactase: A disaccharidase that breaks down lactose.
- Sucrase: A disaccharidase that breaks down sucrose.
- Maltase: A disaccharidase that breaks down maltose.
- Small intestine: The part of the digestive tract where most nutrient absorption occurs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Disaccharidase
- Wikipedia's article - Disaccharidase
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