Understanding the Function of Lactase

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. They are typically proteins that lower the activation energy required for a reaction to proceed. One important feature of enzymes is their specificity; each enzyme typically acts upon a particular substrate.

Consider the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk, into glucose and galactose. This reaction is crucial for individuals who consume dairy products as it allows them to digest lactose effectively.

Given the information about lactase and its function, answer the following question:

Which statement about lactase is true?