Lactose intolerance
In this activity, students investigate the effect of the digestive enzyme lactase on a sugar found in milk called lactose. The digestive system condition known as lactose intolerance will also be looked at.
Glass of milk and bread
Lactose in milk and yeast or gluten in bread are common food intolerances.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
explain the term ‘disaccharide’
discuss the structure of lactose and sucrose
describe the role that lactase plays in the digestion of lactose
define the term ‘enzyme specificity’
explain in simple terms the digestive condition known as ‘lactose intolerance’.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
student worksheets.
Related content
The article Catalysing chemical reactions with enzymes includes an animated video outlining in detail how enzymes work.
Find out more about lactose intolerance:
See our Enzymes Pinterest board for more resource ideas.
