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Chapter 12: Problem 22

Individuals who suffer from lactose intolerance do not produce enough of the enzyme lactase. Explain why this is an issue.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Lactose intolerance occurs when there is insufficient production of lactase, an enzyme necessary for breaking down lactose into simpler sugars, glucose and galactose. These sugars are then easily absorbed and used as energy. Low lactase levels lead to undigested lactose in the large intestine, causing symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, and nausea. Managing lactose intolerance with lactose-free products or lactase supplements is crucial for avoiding these symptoms and ensuring proper nutrient absorption.

Step by step solution

01

Define lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder where the body is unable to fully digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. This is caused by the insufficient production of the enzyme lactase in the small intestine. Lactase is essential for the proper digestion of lactose.
02

Explain the role of lactase in digestion

Lactase is an enzyme produced in the small intestine that helps to break down lactose into simpler sugars – glucose and galactose. These simpler sugars are then easily absorbed into the bloodstream and used as a source of energy. Without sufficient lactase, lactose cannot be properly digested, which creates issues for those with lactose intolerance.
03

Describe the consequences of low lactase levels

When lactose is not well-digested due to low lactase levels, it remains undigested in the small intestine and passes to the large intestine. Bacteria in the large intestine will then ferment the undigested lactose, which creates gas and other by-products. This is what leads to the common symptoms of lactose intolerance, including bloating, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, and nausea.
04

Explain the importance of managing lactose intolerance

It is crucial for individuals with lactose intolerance to manage their condition, either by consuming lactose-free products or taking lactase supplements to aid in digestion. By doing so, they can avoid the unpleasant symptoms associated with the condition and ensure proper absorption of nutrients from their diet.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A certain substance, initially at 0.10\(M\) in solution, decomposes by second- order kinetics. If the rate constant for this process is 0.40 $\mathrm{L} / \mathrm{mol} \cdot \min$ , how much time is required for the concentration to reach 0.020 \(\mathrm{M}\) ?

At \(40^{\circ} \mathrm{C}, \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}(a q)\) will decompose according to the following reaction: $$ 2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}(a q) \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(l)+\mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{~g}) $$ The following data were collected for the concentration of $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}$ at various times. $$ \begin{array}{|cc|} \hline \begin{array}{c} \text { Time } \\ (\mathbf{s}) \end{array} & \begin{array}{c} {\left[\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}\right]} \\ (\mathrm{mol} / \mathrm{L}) \end{array} \\ \hline 0 & 1.000 \\ \hline 2.16 \times 10^{4} & 0.500 \\ \hline 4.32 \times 10^{4} & 0.250 \\ \hline \end{array} $$ a. Calculate the average rate of decomposition of $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}\( between 0 and \)2.16 \times 10^{4} \mathrm{~s}$. Use this rate to calculate the average rate of production of \(\mathrm{O}_{2}(g)\) over the same time period. b. What are these rates for the time period \(2.16 \times 10^{4} \mathrm{~s}\) to \(4.32 \times 10^{4} \mathrm{~s} ?\)

Consider the reaction $$ 3 \mathrm{A}+\mathrm{B}+\mathrm{C} \longrightarrow \mathrm{D}+\mathrm{E} $$ where the rate law is defined as $$ -\frac{\Delta[\mathrm{A}]}{\Delta t}=k[\mathrm{A}]^{2}[\mathrm{B}][\mathrm{C}] $$ An experiment is carried out where $[\mathrm{B}]_{0}=[\mathrm{C}]_{0}=1.00 \mathrm{M}$ and \([\mathrm{A}]_{0}=1.00 \times 10^{-4} \mathrm{M}\) a. If after \(3.00 \min ,[\mathrm{A}]=3.26 \times 10^{-5} M,\) calculate the value of \(k .\) b. Calculate the half-life for this experiment. c. Calculate the concentration of \(B\) and the concentration of A after 10.0 min.

The rate constant \((k)\) depends on which of the following (there may be more than one answer)? a. the concentration of the reactants b. the nature of the reactants c. the temperature d. the order of the reaction Explain.

A certain substance, initially present at \(0.0800 M,\) decomposes by zero-order kinetics with a rate constant of $2.50 \times 10^{-2} \mathrm{mol} / \mathrm{L}$ . s. Calculate the time (in seconds required for the system to reach a concentration of 0.0210\(M .\)
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