Definition
disaccharidases
noun
- Plural of disaccharidase; enzymes that break down disaccharides (two-sugar molecules) into monosaccharides (single sugars) for absorption in the small intestine.
Usage: technical/medical; biochemistry term; commonly used in nutrition and digestive health contexts
Examples
- Disaccharidases such as lactase and sucrase are essential for digesting milk and table sugar.
- The small intestine produces several disaccharidases that help break down dietary carbohydrates.
- Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not produce enough lactase, one of the key disaccharidases.
- Disaccharidases are located on the brush border of intestinal cells.
- A deficiency in disaccharidases can lead to malabsorption and digestive discomfort.