Chemistry: Effects of Digestive Supplement on the Human Body

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Introduction:

The purpose of this lab was to determine the effects that pH had on lactase activity of four different digestive supplements that assist in the breakdown of lactose in the body. Lactase is an enzyme that digests lactose, it is also the primary sugar found in milk (BIOB 260 Lab Manual, 2014). Before it can be broken down lactose needs to be broken down into glucose and galactose for easy absorption into the bloodstream, this is done by the hydrolying of the monosaccharide (BIOB 260 Lab Manual, 2014). Lactase has the ability to catalyze reactions to allow for proper function of breaking down the lactose(BIOB 260 Lab Manual, 2014). To ensure proper function of the lactase enzyme, optimal temperature and pH are needed. Without these conditions the enzyme becomes denatured and lose their functionality (BIOB 260 Lab Manual, 2014). Denature can be defined as destroy the characteristic properties of (a protein or other biological macromolecule) by heat, acidity, or other effects that disrupt its molecular conformation (dictionary.com). pH can be defined as the measure of hydrogen ion concentration of an aqueous solution (BIOB 260 Lab Manual, 2014). pH can be maintained by buffers which accepting protons when concentration rises or donating protons when concentration falls as needed(BIOB 260 Lab Manual, 2014).

Equilibrium between the undissociated and dissociated for of acid in water:

- undissociated acid <---> ions of dissociated acid
- CH3COOH <---> CH3COO- + H+

Reaction showing change of the pH solution:

- CH3COONa <---> CH3COO- + Na+

The hypothesis of the lab was: Digestive Advantage will be the least effective at breaking down lactose than the other three digestive supplements (Fast Act, Up & Up, and Equate) te...

... middle of paper ...

...ssa. Lactase - A Necessary Enzyme Found in Living Organisms. N.d. Photograph. Molecular Anatomy ProjectWeb. 3 Feb 2014. .

"Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com. Lexico Publishing, n.d. Web. 4 Feb 2014. .

Freeman, Scott. Biological Science (BIOB 260 Lab Manual). 4th ed. Print.

Lactose intolerance and health disparities among African Americans and Hispanic Americans: an updated consensus statement.. Diss. Department of Psychiatry at Meharry Medical College, 2013. Web. .

Ojetti, Veronica. Lactose intolerance: from diagnosis to correct management.. Diss. Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy: Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, 2013. Web. .

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