Q. 16.71 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Lactase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes lactose to glucose and galactose.

a. What are the reactants and products of the reaction?

b. Draw an energy diagram for the reaction with and without lactase.

c. How does lactase make the reaction go faster?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

  (Part a) Glucose + Galactose = Lactose 

   (Part b)  Lactose is a disaccharide that breaks down into glucose and galactose when glycosidic connections are broken.

 (Part c)  It is a common sugar found in milk that is broken down in the colon.

Step 1: Introduction (Part a).

Reactants and products of the reaction :

The reactant is lactose, while the products are glucose and galactose.

Step 2: Given Information (Part a).

Lactase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes lactose into glucose and galactose, which are the reaction's reactants and products.

Step 3: Explanation (Part a).

 ${\mathrm{ZnCl}}_2\text{ and }{\mathrm{H}}_2\text{ - Products }$

           Reactants: $Zn,HCl$

Step 4: Given Information (Part b).

An energy diagram for the process with and without lactase.

Step 5: Explanation (Part b).

Calculate the energy of the reaction with and without lactase. 

Step 6: Given Information (Part c).

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose. Lactase speeds up the procedure.

Step 7: Explanation (Part c).

Lactase lowers the activation energy needed to convert a reaction from reactant to product.

As the activation energy is reduced, more reactant molecules participate in the reaction, and the rate of reaction increases.