LACTOSE SYNTHASE Meaning and
Definition
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Lactose synthase is an enzyme complex that is primarily involved in the biosynthesis of lactose, a disaccharide found in milk. It is responsible for catalyzing the final step in the synthesis of lactose, where glucose and galactose are joined together to form this milk sugar. Lactose synthase belongs to the family of glycosyltransferases and is primarily found in the Golgi apparatus of mammary gland cells.
The enzyme complex consists of two main subunits: the α-lactalbumin and β1,4-galactosyltransferase. The α-lactalbumin acts as a regulatory protein, activating the β1,4-galactosyltransferase and conferring its substrate specificity to the enzyme complex. In the presence of α-lactalbumin, the β1,4-galactosyltransferase can transfer a galactose molecule from a UDP-galactose donor to lactose synthase acceptor, resulting in the formation of lactose.
Lactose synthase is considered to be a crucial enzyme complex for the production of lactose in lactating animals, including humans. It plays a vital role in milk production and provides an essential energy source for newborns. Lactose, being the primary carbohydrate in milk, is important for the growth and development of infants, as well as for the establishment of a diverse gut microbiota.
Overall, lactose synthase is a pivotal enzyme complex involved in the synthesis of lactose, which serves as a crucial component of milk and plays a vital role in nourishing newborns.
Common Misspellings for LACTOSE SYNTHASE
- kactose synthase
- pactose synthase
- oactose synthase
- lzctose synthase
- lsctose synthase
- lwctose synthase
- lqctose synthase
- laxtose synthase
- lavtose synthase
- laftose synthase
- ladtose synthase
- lacrose synthase
- lacfose synthase
- lacgose synthase
- lacyose synthase
- lac6ose synthase
- lac5ose synthase
- lactise synthase
- lactkse synthase
- lactlse synthase
Etymology of LACTOSE SYNTHASE
The word "lactose synthase" consists of two components: "lactose" and "synthase".
1. Lactose: The term "lactose" originates from the Latin word "lac" meaning milk, and the suffix "-ose" denoting a sugar. Lactose is a disaccharide sugar found in milk and is composed of glucose and galactose molecules.
2. Synthase: The term "synthase" is a suffix derived from the word "synthesize", which comes from the Greek roots "syn" meaning together and "thesis" meaning placing or setting. In biology, "synthase" is a common suffix used for enzymes that catalyze the synthesis of various molecules.
Therefore, "lactose synthase" refers to the enzyme responsible for the synthesis or production of lactose.
